Former NFL player Gosder Cherilus is facing legal issues after allegedly urinating on a fellow passenger during a Delta Air Lines flight. The incident occurred on a flight from Boston to Dublin, which was diverted back to Logan Airport early Sunday morning.
Cherilus, 40, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, appeared in East Boston District Court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of interfering with the operation of an aircraft, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was released from custody after posting $2,500 bail.
Massachusetts State Police reported that they were called to the airport around 2 a.m. after the flight, Delta flight 154, was diverted due to Cherilus’s behavior. Police stated that he was identified as the unruly passenger who urinated on someone during the flight. Troopers attempted to get him off the plane, but he reportedly became irate and uncooperative, leading to his arrest at the jet bridge.
Following the court proceedings, Cherilus refrained from making comments but later issued a statement on social media. In his message, he attributed his actions to a sleeping medication and expressed regret for his behavior. He explained that the flight experienced an unexpected delay, causing him to take a medication he usually does not use, which led to actions uncharacteristic of him.
According to the police report, Cherilus seemed intoxicated upon arriving at the airport and had a confrontation with another passenger before the flight took off. Approximately an hour into the flight, he allegedly approached an elderly woman and exposed himself, urinating for around 20 seconds. The report noted that fellow passengers and crew members were shocked and scared during the incident. Additionally, he is accused of hitting another elderly passenger on his way back to his seat. Due to his size, troopers needed to use two sets of handcuffs to restrain him.
Federal authorities are also investigating the incident since it occurred while the flight was over Canadian waters.
Gosder Cherilus had a successful football career, playing as an offensive tackle for Boston College and later being drafted 17th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2008. He played five seasons in Detroit, followed by time with the Indianapolis Colts and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in 2016.
Delta Air Lines has stated that they have a zero-tolerance policy for unlawful behavior and will cooperate with law enforcement. Passengers were transferred to another flight to continue their journey to Dublin. Cherilus is scheduled to return to court on October 11.