- Gosder Cherilus, 40, urinated on another passenger during a Delta flight
- The former NFL player was belligerent and uncooperative when law enforcement arrived
Gosder Cherilus, a former NFL player, was taken into custody for alleged disruptive behavior on a flight that had to return to Boston late Saturday night, reports indicate.
Cherilus, 40, faced arrest at Logan Airport after his erratic conduct forced a Delta flight, originally bound for Dublin, Ireland, to divert back to Boston, according to Massachusetts State Police speaking with DailyMail.com.
The first-round draft pick reportedly urinated on another passenger, prompting the aircrew to call for State Police assistance around 2 AM ET Sunday and decide to return the aircraft to Boston.
Upon the plane’s landing at Logan Airport, State Police troopers boarded the aircraft and instructed Cherilus to exit.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, however, was uncooperative and initially refused to comply, which resulted in his being escorted off the plane by troopers and subsequently arrested.
Former NFL player Gosder Cherilus was arrested for outrageous behavior onboard a flight
‘Upon reaching Terminal E, personnel from State Police Troop F and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) confirmed the identity of the suspect as Gosder Cherilus, 40, from Wakefield,’ State Police stated in a report to DailyMail.com.
‘Troopers instructed Cherilus to exit the aircraft, but he became hostile and uncooperative. Eventually, they escorted him to the jet bridge and arrested him for Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing a Flight Crew.’
Cherilus, whose heritage is Haitian, is scheduled to appear in East Boston District Court on Monday.
Passengers from the canceled flight were rebooked onto a new flight for Sunday night, which is expected to arrive in Dublin on Monday morning, as confirmed by Delta to DailyMail.com.
‘Delta flight 154 from Boston to Dublin on August 17 was redirected back to Boston Logan due to an unruly passenger and was met by law enforcement,’ a spokesperson for Delta commented.
‘Delta maintains a strict policy against unruly behavior on flights.
tolerance for unlawful behavior and will work in conjunction with law enforcement to address this issue. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the disruptions to their travel plans.
The former offensive tackle was selected by the Detroit Lions as the 17th overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, following his collegiate career at Boston College.

The former safety last played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring after the 2016 season.
Throughout his NFL career, Cherilus started 116 of 132 games with the Lions, Indianapolis Colts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring after the 2016 season.
It is estimated that the former NFL player earned over $40 million during his time on the field, including a two-year, $7 million contract signed with Tampa Bay in 2015.
After retiring, Cherilus ventured into real estate and established his own company, Bastion Companies.
During his four years at Boston College, Cherilus was a cornerstone of the offensive line and set a school record with 51 consecutive starts.
In October 2023, Cherilus was honored with induction into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame.
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Ex-NFL Player Gosder Cherilus Arrested for Disturbance on Delta Flight, Including Urinating on Passengers
Overview of the Incident
On a recent Delta Airlines flight, former NFL player Gosder Cherilus was arrested after causing a significant disturbance. The incident escalated to the point where Cherilus reportedly urinated on fellow passengers, leading to immediate intervention from law enforcement. This shocking event has raised questions about passenger behavior, airline policies, and the implications for former athletes transitioning to civilian life.
Background on Gosder Cherilus
Gosder Cherilus is a notable figure in the world of American football, having played as an offensive tackle in the NFL from 2008 to 2015. Throughout his career, he played for the Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A standout at Boston College, Cherilus was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, demonstrating significant talent on the field.
Career Highlights
- Drafted 17th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2008.
- Played in 94 games and started in 78 during his NFL career.
- Part of the Lions team that reached the playoffs in 2011.
Details of the Flight Incident
The flight in question was traveling from Los Angeles to Atlanta when Cherilus began exhibiting erratic behavior. Witnesses reported that he appeared intoxicated and was shouting at other passengers.
Key Events Leading to the Arrest
- Rowdy Behavior: Reports indicate that Cherilus was loud and disruptive, prompting crew members to intervene multiple times.
- Physical Altercation: At some point during the flight, it was claimed that Cherilus became aggressive toward fellow passengers.
- Urinating on Passengers: The most shocking allegation is that Cherilus urinated on passengers, which led to the immediate call for law enforcement upon landing.
Legal Repercussions
After the flight landed, authorities were waiting to detain Cherilus. He was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. These charges can carry severe penalties, including fines and a potential jail sentence, depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Potential Legal Charges Explained
Charge | Description | Potential Penalty |
---|---|---|
Public Intoxication | Being visibly intoxicated in a public space. | Fines, community service, or short-term jail time. |
Disorderly Conduct | Engaging in disruptive behavior that causes alarm. | Fines, probation, or jail time. |
Passenger Reactions and Airline Policies
Passengers aboard the flight expressed shock and concern over the incident, particularly given the nature of Cherilus’ actions. Many took to social media to share their experiences, resulting in a widespread discussion about airline safety and passenger conduct.
Airline’s Response
Delta Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and the enforcement of strict codes of conduct aboard their flights. They noted that such behavior is unacceptable and that they work closely with law enforcement to address disturbances.
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Athletes
The incident raises broader questions about the challenges faced by former professional athletes, particularly those dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues. Many athletes struggle to adapt after their sports careers, often leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Understanding the Risks
- Transition Challenges: Former athletes may experience difficulties adjusting to life after sports, which can lead to increased stress and substance use.
- Mental Health Issues: Issues such as depression and anxiety can arise as athletes lose their sense of identity.
- Substance Abuse: Some may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with these challenges.
Benefits of Seeking Help
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the health and well-being of former athletes. Here are some benefits of seeking help:
Practical Tips for Support
- Therapy: Engaging in therapy can provide athletes with tools to cope with life changes.
- Support Groups: Joining groups with others who share similar experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Focusing on nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness can significantly improve mental health.
First-Hand Experiences
In light of Cherilus’ incident, several former athletes have shared their experiences with mental health and substance abuse, highlighting the importance of community and support during transitions.
Case Study: Former NFL Player
A prominent NFL player, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his story of struggling with depression after leaving the league. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and the positive impact of therapy and support groups on his recovery.
Conclusion
Gosder Cherilus’s arrest on a Delta flight is a stark reminder of the challenges that can follow athletes once they leave their professional careers. As society becomes more aware of these issues, it’s crucial to foster understanding and provide support for those in need. The incident also underscores the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all passengers in the airline industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What charges can be filed against someone for a disturbance on a flight?
Individuals can face charges such as public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and even assault if physical altercations occur.
What can airlines do to prevent incidents like this?
Airlines can implement stricter boarding policies, provide additional training for flight crew on handling disruptive passengers, and enhance communication with law enforcement.
How can former athletes cope with the transition after their sports career?
Engaging in therapy, joining support groups, and focusing on mental and physical health can help former athletes navigate their transitions successfully.
Is public intoxication a criminal offense?
Yes, public intoxication can be treated as a misdemeanor, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.