Delta apologizes for rough handling of the team’s golf clubs

Workers unload luggage from a Delta flight in Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in the New York City borough of Queens on April 7, 2024. Photo credit: Angus Mordant – Bloomberg/Getty Images

VAn image of baggage handlers unloading a Delta Air Lines flight and carelessly discarding luggage and golf equipment belonging to a Tennessee university men’s golf team went viral on Wednesday, prompting the airline to apologize and ask the team for a second chance.

The East Tennessee State University men’s golf team posted the video to X late Tuesday night. In the video, baggage handlers can be seen throwing the team’s golf clubs onto the tarmac and eventually into a transfer vehicle.

“Nice of Delta to be so careful with our clubs…” said the post on the team’s account.

Read more: Delta Airlines apologizes for kicking family off overbooked flight

The golf team was heading to the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, Calif., after already winning the Southern Conference and advancing through the NCAA Regionals. The team did not respond to TIME’s request for comment.

Delta told TIME that the airline had communicated with the team regarding the incident.

“We apologize to the ETSU golf team and request a response regarding how their equipment was handled,” Delta spokesman Anthony Black said in an emailed statement. “We are in direct contact with the Bucs to ensure they have everything they need to successfully compete at the NCAAs.”

“Mulligan” is a golf term meaning “to start over” or a second attempt after the first one fails.

Black added that the baggage handlers work for Delta through a supplier, Unifi Aviation.

Unifi told TIME that the company was aware of the video and offered its “sincere apology” to the team and players.

“The manner in which the baggage was handled is not consistent with our training and policies,” a Unifi spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We are investigating the matter and intend to take appropriate action.”

The video sparked outrage on the Internet.

“Delta, simply telling people to contact baggage support is not enough,” said one user on X. “They should be open about this and accept that it is not acceptable.”

“Delta UNACCEPTABLE! Why this silence? And you know this is not an isolated case,” said another user on X.

Delta responded to many of the posts on X, often asking users to send the airline private messages about their experiences.

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