Gosder Cherilus arrest: Former NFL player accused of urinating on passenger during Delta flight to Dublin

Gosder Cherilus, a former NFL lineman, was arrested after allegedly urinating on another passenger during a Delta flight from Boston to Dublin, Ireland. 

The flight from Boston to Dublin is a lengthy one. The trip involves spending over six hours in the air to cross the Atlantic Ocean. However, the flight never landed in Europe, as the aircraft was forced to return to Boston's Logan Airport after Cherilus' alleged actions. 

Cherilus, 40, played college football at Boston College before he was taken No. 17 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Lions. He spent nine seasons in the league, playing for Detroit, Indianapolis and Tampa Bay. 

Here is what to know about Cherilus' arrest.  

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Gosder Cherilus arrest

Massachusetts State Police said that a unit was called to Logan Airport around 2 a.m. ET on Sunday after Delta flight 154 was forced to return to the Boston airport. The aircraft was supposed to go from Boston to Dublin, however, the flight was diverted "because of an unruly passenger who urinated on another passenger on board."

The police later identified the subject as Cherilus, a resident of Wakefield, Mass. 

"Troopers verbally commanded Cherilus to leave the plane, but he became irate and uncooperative," Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. "Eventually, Troopers escorted Cherilus to the jet bridge and placed him under arrest."

Cherilus pleaded not guilty to interfering with the operation of an aircraft, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest on Monday at his arraignment in East Boston District Court. He was released on $2,500 bail.

Cherilus addressed the incident Monday in a statement posted to social media.

"I'd like to address the media reports about me that surfaced today regarding a situation that occurred onboard a flight to Ireland this past weekend," he wrote. "The flight was unexpectedly delayed for approximately four hours, and it did not take off until after 12:30 a.m.

"In preparation for the unexpected overnight flight, I took a sleeping medication that I don't normally use, which resulted in behavior that is not representative of my character, and I would like to apologize to the passengers and flight crew."

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Who is Gosder Cherilus?

Cherilus is a former offensive tackle. He played college football at Boston College, suiting up for the Eagles from 2005 to 2007.

In 2008, he was drafted in the first round by Detroit with the No. 17 overall pick. He went on to spend five seasons with the Lions before playing two years each with the Colts and Buccaneers.  

Cherilus retired from playing in 2017. 

Gosder Cherilus career earnings

During his career, Cherilus made more than $40 million as an NFL offensive lineman. His biggest payday came in 2013 when he signed a five-year, $35 million deal with the Colts, including $15.5 million in guaranteed money.