Panthers Fan Suing Cowboys Over 'Sleeper Hold' At Game

A Carolina Panthers fan is suing the Dallas Cowboys and their stadium security company after he was put in a “sleeper hold” while exiting the Thanksgiving Day game between the two teams. John Small is seeking more than $25,000 in damages from the encounter, which made national headlines.

In a video of the incident that has more than 185,000 views on YouTube, Small is seen being manhandled by several security guards as he is exiting the game. One guard puts his arm around Small’s neck in what looks like a classic, 1980s WWE-style sleeper hold, before a fan in a Chicago Bears jersey recognizes the danger and helps break it up.

The lawsuit claims Small was attending the game with his mother and brought a homemade sign that said “11-0.” Near the end of the game, he stood up and unveiled the sign, celebrating the Panthers win and continued undefeated season. A security guard asked Small to sit down but he refused because, “Mr. Small’s behavior, while enthusiastic, was not disruptive.”

The suit further claims that Small was not a threat to other fans or security guards and did not violate the Cowboys Stadium Code of Conduct.

Here’s how the lawsuit describes the incident as Small began to leave the stadium:

"“Mr. Small was already in the aisle walking toward the exit when a member of the security team hit him in the back. This blow caused Mr. Small to stumble slightly, and then the security team member came up behind Mr. Small, and wrapped his arm around Mr. Small’s neck from the back, bending his elbow and tightening his arm to create a chokehold.”"

The incident raised questions about fan behavior and the way NFL security should handle opposing fans celebrating. The Cowboys are sure to have a quick response to this.