NFL star Terrell Davis received a flight ban letter after aircraft incident, United Airlines apologized for mistakes

Super Bowl champion Terrell Davis says he received a letter from United Airlines putting him on a “no-fly list,” adding insult to injury, he says, after he was dragged off a plane in handcuffs earlier this month. United has since apologized for the incident.

The Hall of Fame running back and former Denver Broncos star posted the letter on social media on Tuesday, again criticizing United for an incident he said was racially motivated.

United said in a statement to NBC News on Tuesday that the letter was automatically generated and quickly withdrawn and that a flight attendant involved in the incident no longer works for the airline.

Davis posted on Instagram: “To make matters worse, @united not only had me removed from their flight in handcuffs, but they also placed me on their no-fly list after determining I had done nothing wrong and was released,” he said. “While my family and I continue to have difficult conversations with our children, I will continue to fight for what is right for all @united passengers.”

United said in a statement: “Mr. Davis received this letter the day after the incident. It was prepared based on the report of the flight attendant, who is no longer employed by United. The day after the letter was sent, we discussed with Mr. Davis’ team that it was being withdrawn,” the statement said. “We have apologized to Mr. Davis for his experience and continue to review how we handle incidents like this to protect our highest priority – the safety of our customers and crew.”

On July 13, Davis was met by FBI agents and officers after the flight from Denver carrying him and his three children landed at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.

Davis told NBC News this month that race played a role in the incident.

“I think if I wasn’t black, they wouldn’t have handcuffed me until they found out exactly what happened.”

Davis was on board the United flight when his son asked for a cup of ice cream and a passing flight attendant did not respond, he said.

Davis said he then “lightly tapped the flight attendant’s arm” to get his attention, and the flight attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me.”

The flight continued, but after landing, half a dozen FBI agents and sheriff’s deputies boarded and took Davis away in handcuffs, he said.

United Airlines confirmed the incident earlier this month.

“This is clearly not the type of travel experience we want to provide and we have reached out to Mr. Davis’ team to apologize,” the airline said.

The FBI confirmed that agents responded to “an allegation of a violent attack on board” the United flight.

“One individual was detained for questioning, cooperated with law enforcement and was released to continue his journey,” the FBI said in a statement.

Davis played seven seasons in the NFL, all for the Broncos.

He led the league in rushing touchdowns in 1997 and 1998, and was the MVP of the 1998 Super Bowl.