Homepage > Boston News

Revs Soccer Team Helps Restrain Unruly Passenger

Team Headed To Los Angeles For Game

POSTED: 5:22 pm EDT July 18, 2008
UPDATED: 8:22 pm EDT July 18, 2008

Members of the New England Revolution soccer team helped subdue an unruly passenger who was trying to open an emergency exit on a flight from Boston to Los Angeles Friday.

"The disruptive passenger was restrained by crew members and passengers," said American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner.

FBI spokesman Gary Johnson said a passenger stripped off his clothes, put them back on and then tried to open an emergency exit door.

"He was asked to go back to the bathroom to put his clothes on and he did and went back to his seat and then allegedly attempted to open an aircraft emergency exit door," Johnson said.

"Members of the Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution, were on the flight. They were able to subdue him," he said.

American flight 725 was headed to Los Angeles when the disturbance broke out. After the man was subdued, the flight was diverted to Oklahoma City and the man was taken into FBI custody, Wagner said.

The man, whose name was not immediately released, was put into flexible handcuffs by flight attendants and held until the plane landed. No one was injured and the plane resumed its flight to Los Angeles.

Johnson said the man was undergoing a mental evaluation.

Stacey James, a spokesman for the New England Patriots, which shares a common owner with the Revolution, said three Revolution staff members helped restrain the unruly passenger: Michael Burns, vice president of player personnel; assistant coach Gwynne Williams; and general manager Craig Tornberg.

The team was flying to play Chivas USA as part of the SuperLiga Tournament on Sunday.

Links We Like

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

Featured On 5

Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA