Newbill NOT arrested

[Slim]

Odd story!

Perhaps he didn't fill out his paperwork correctly!

D.J. Newbill — who warmed the hearts of sports fans last week with his open letter of gratitude to Penn State — was arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist on his way to France. His agent claims it was a result of racial profiling on the part of German immigration officials.

The reason given by authorities for Newbill's detainment was "absence of a visa for a long stay," and it included extreme measures being taken — including Newbill being interrogated for hours by officials. Professional athletes that travel to other countries regularize their visas in said country, so his absence of a visa was perfectly ordinary and to be expected.

French agent Francois Lamy, who works for the organization that represents Newbill, took to Facebook to express his disgust in the actions that took place. Lamy's original post was translated from French to English.

A basketball player coming from American to play in Europe is stopped at the German border, questioned, and then released after payment of a fine, but retained in the transit area waiting for deportation to the USA. I have never such an incident my long career. It must be specified that Newbill is an American citizen. Just as a French citizen in the USA, does not need a visa for return on the French territory and can stay there for three months, Newbill can stay in France for three months, but must regularize his situation in case of prolonged stay or to work.

This young man is African American, and has never been out of the United States before. This is the first experience that he has with Europe. An officer of the German immigration, doubted his statement that he was in Europe to play basketball. He also doubted that France was the country of final destination. Newbill was interrogated for hours. German immigration official were convinced he had a terrorist motive.

Newbill had never previously been arrested or detained by authorities. We reached out to Newbill's agent for more information and we'll update the story as we get it.

Correction: Newbill's agent had said it was his first time out of the country, but Penn State basketball toured Europe in August 2013. We apologize for the error, which makes this story even more bizarre.

[GGGG]

http://pennstate.247sports.com/Bolt/Newbill-detained-in-Germany-38781368

[forgetful]

Apparently he forgot to submit his Visa application.

[keefe]

Apparently he forgot to submit his Visa application.

The man struggles with paperwork...

[GGGG]

Apparently he forgot to submit his Visa application.

Brilliant.

[The Lens]

On the #squirmy meter I rank it below Darius Paul's France deportation but just above Haanif's clearinghouse SNAFU. 

[mug644]

Apparently he forgot to submit his Visa application.

Brilliant.

Maybe, but I'll pat myself on the back for posting the same idea about an hour earlier in this thread: http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=48335.0 Not saying that forgetful read mine, but that we are equally brilliant. 

[bobnoxious]

The man struggles with paperwork...

Hardest I've laughed in a while

[Jay Bee]

There's an NBA team in France?

[Dr. Blackheart]

I thought anyone could march from Germany into France visa free, non è?

[GGGG]

I thought anyone could march from Germany into France visa free, non è?

Only through Belgium.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Only through Belgium.

Maginot so fast!

[jesmu84]

There's an NBA team in France?

Ners is a big fan, I'm guessing.

Who does he owe money to for that bet?

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Maybe, but I'll pat myself on the back for posting the same idea about an hour earlier in this thread: http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=48335.0 Not saying that forgetful read mine, but that we are equally brilliant. 

Nothing affirms one's dignity more than demanding recognition for one's clever posts on internet message boards...