Terrell Owens Handed Papers in Wells Defamation Lawsuit

Former NFL receiver Terrell Owens was handed papers in a video-recorded encounter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s homecoming event, where attorneys for three friends of Nolan Wells say they served him with a federal defamation lawsuit. The complaint alleges that Owens defamed the men by demanding their arrest in a social-media post. The allegations have not been established in court.

The footage, posted by attorney Edward Andrew Paltzik, shows a man approach Owens and give him documents as he met with people at the event. Owens looked at the papers and placed them on a nearby table, according to the video. The footage documents the handoff but does not by itself establish the legal validity of service.

The complaint was filed October 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. It names Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour as plaintiffs. Their attorneys say the suit concerns an Owens post that linked to a video making accusations about the men and included the words “ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY!!” The lawsuit alleges the post was defamatory; no ruling on the claims is reported.

Owens responded to Paltzik on social media after the...