Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day accused a male TSA officer of sexually assaulting him before a recent flight from Southern California.
The incident unfolded Friday morning at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, according to the 28-year-old, who won a 2022 Super Bowl ring with the LA Rams.
“I was actually sexually assaulted by the TSA,” Joseph-Day told followers on Twitter. “When I asked the gentleman to stop the BC I became uncomfortable and I think this part of the check is unnecessary (when he realized what was needed). He then told me that I was going to be surrounded by 3 TSA agents. After all, I was the problem.”
Joseph-Day did not go into more detail about the alleged assault and the player could not immediately be reached for comment on Monday.
In his statement via Twitter, he said, “I am all for people who are doing their job well. But this was extremely unnecessary and inhumane.”
“I’m not sharing this on Twitter for sympathy. I’m sharing this so that this group of gentlemen and staff will never be allowed to do this again to another human being,” Joseph-Day wrote.
An administration official said Monday that TSA is in the process of speaking with the officers involved and reviewing security footage of the incident.
“TSA is aware of the allegations made by a passenger who was screened by TSA officers at John Wayne Airport on Friday morning. “We are looking into the matter to determine whether our procedures were followed and whether any corrective action is needed,” a TSA statement said.
“TSA is committed to treating every passenger with dignity and respect while carrying out our security screening responsibilities.”
Joseph-Day has served the airport, the city of Irvine, Orange County and the O.C. In its statement the Sheriff’s Department.
A representative for the airport declined to comment beyond the TSA statement on Monday and city, county and sheriff’s department officials could not immediately be reached.
The Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, native played football at Rutgers before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.
His last game with the Rams was on February 13, 2022, when Los Angeles defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 in the Super Bowl.
The backup Rams lineman signed a free-agent contract with the LA Chargers a month after the Super Bowl and played in 16 games for the Bolts last season.