Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens was handed legal documents during an autograph session at the Mocs Bookstore on the University of Tennessee‑Chattanooga campus on Friday, November 6. Attorney Edward Paltzik, representing the plaintiffs, posted video of the moment, showing a court clerk delivering the papers to Owens as he signed autographs for fans.
Background of the lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed on October 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. It is brought by the fathers of three young men – Benjamin Warren Hudson Jr., Eli Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour – who were friends of Nolan Xavier Wells, the 18‑year‑old college student who died after disappearing during a July 4 outing on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
The complaint alleges defamation per se and false‑light invasion of privacy, claiming Owens’ September 26 social‑media post called for the three friends’ arrests and linked to a video accusing them of misconduct. The plaintiffs argue the post intensified harassment and threats against the three men.
Details of Wells’ death
Wells’ body was recovered on July 6, and a Jackson County grand jury declined to indict anyone, stating investigators found no credible evidence of criminal conduct and describing the circumstances as consistent with drowning. However, medical examiners listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined, and Wells’ family has questioned the investigation’s conclusions.
Owens had previously offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case, a gesture praised by civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump, who advises the Wells family.
Owens’ response
After the service video was posted, Owens replied on X (formerly Twitter) on November 8, writing, “Hey Edward. Not worried. God is good.” The lawsuit remains pending, and no court ruling has been issued on the merits of the defamation claims.
Owens’ career and recent media
Owens played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2006 through 2008, recording 235 catches for 3,587 yards and 38 receiving touchdowns. He later played for Buffalo in 2009 and Cincinnati in 2010, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Since retiring, he has pursued media projects, including the Prime Video documentary Terrell & T.O. which premiered the day before the court papers were served.
The Cowboys are currently 4‑5 after a 27‑23 win over the Indianapolis Colts on November 8, and they host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 15, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
