Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens visited his old college last week and signed autographs for many fans who brought him items like footballs or jerseys. There was one exception, though. One guy showed up with lawsuit papers. Of course, it was caught on video.
Owens was served with a federal defamation lawsuit on Friday while attending an event at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he played college football.
The lawsuit stems from comments Terrell Owens made on social media about the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who disappeared during a July 4 outing with friends on Horn Island, Mississippi. According to Front Office Sports, the fathers of three of Wells’ friends filed the lawsuit on October 5.
Terrell Owens Served Lawsuit Papers During College Meet-And-Greet
Terrell Owens was attending a meet-and-greet during the school’s homecoming weekend at the Mocs Bookstore while promoting a new Amazon documentary about his life and NFL career when he was served the papers.
Attorney Edward Paltzik, who represents the plaintiffs, shared video of the moment Owens was handed the lawsuit papers.
“As TO waited to sign autographs and bask in the adulation of his fans at an intimate meet-and-greet in the Mocs Bookstore, he was instead handed a copy of our powerhouse federal defamation suit,” Paltzik wrote on X. “No autograph required. Luck always runs out. Even sunglasses couldn’t hide TO’s disgust.
“Video of this important leap forward in our historic defamation dragnet will be available tomorrow at @Unshakablewapr with our unshakeable friend April Chapman, and posted right here as we continue to play Backtrack City’s Greatest Hits.”
Owens didn’t appear particularly concerned about the lawsuit.
“Hey Edward. Not worried. God is good,” Owens responded on X, along with several emojis.
Lawsuit Involves The Death Of Mississippi Teenager Nolan Wells
Nolan Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip, and his body was discovered two days later. The lawsuit involves three of Wells’ friends: Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour.
On September 26, Owens shared a video on X calling for the three young men to be arrested over allegations involving Wells’ death.
“ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY!! LIKE YESTERDAY!!” Owens wrote.
However, a Mississippi grand jury had already declined to indict the three friends following an investigation into Wells’ death. The lawsuit says Owens defamed and invaded their privacy by falsely putting them in the spotlight. It also claims his comments resulted in threats and harassment against the three men.
Terrell Owens appearing to be unbothered by the lawsuit shouldn’t be terribly surprising. He is no stranger to making headlines for things other than his Hall of Fame career.
Last month, he tore into former Cowboys teammate Tony Romo after his former Dallas Cowboys teammate left CBS, making it clear he isn’t losing any sleep over his former quarterback’s troubles.
Owens has also been candid about his own financial problems and how things went south after his NFL career ended.