Photo courtesy of the New York Post
A United Airlines employee captured on video fighting with a former NFL player at New Jersey airport last week has been fired, according to the New York Post.
An airline rep confirmed the news in an email, saying, “United Ground Express informed us that the employee has been terminated,” the statement read.
The incident occurred at Newark International Airport on May 19 at around 11 a.m. when the unidentified worker reportedly shoved former Denver Broncos cornerback Brendan Langley. In the 57-second clip, the 27-year-old responds with multiple blows while the ex-airline employee proceeds to slap Langley in the face.
Moments later, Langley shouts, “You saw that s—?” to a bystander who witnessed the altercation following a punch that left the worker bleeding from his head. Then, the worker regains momentum and attempts to attack the athlete again.
“You want some more? He wants some more,” Langley yells at him.
Though it’s unclear what started the fight, several clips went viral on social media.
Langley, who plays for the Canadian Football League, was arrested and charged with simple assault, Port Authority told CNN.
After he was released, the wide receiver took to Twitter and called out the worker for initiating the confrontation.
“How u start a fight w/ someone? Get beat up to the point where ems gotta come do ur stitches on sight & somehow u get up saying the other person is weak; lol the way ppl perceive things is funny asf,” he tweeted.
“The Calgary Stampeders football club is aware of the reports concerning Brendan Langley,” the Stampeders said in the statement. “The team is currently looking into the matter in order to learn the full details and will have no further comment until the investigation is complete.”
United Airlines also issued a statement to the outlet denouncing the worker’s actions, saying, “United Airlines does not tolerate violence of any kind at our airports or on board our planes, and we are working with local authorities in their investigation of this matter.”
According to the team’s website, Langley signed as a free agent with the Stampeders in February.