Bizarro's Statement...via lawyer. Monday February 11, 8:09 pm Eastern Time Press Release SOURCE: Richard Bizarro Delta Passenger Unaware of Inflight Olympic Procedure Statement from Richard Bizzaro The following is a statement from Richard Bizarro: SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2002-- I wish to apologize to the passengers and crew of Delta flight 1540 from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City last Saturday evening. I was unaware that the FAA had enacted a new rule during the Olympics prohibiting passengers from leaving their seats during the last 30 minutes of flight. I apparently dozed during the announcement of that rule on the airplane and went to the restroom at a prohibited time. When I came out of the restroom and was firmly directed by the flight attendant to take my seat, I mistakenly interpreted her comments as merely rudeness. I know now that she was just doing her job. When the young men claiming to be sky marshals directed everyone in the plane to place their hands on their heads, I did not initially believe them. They were dressed in street clothes and one of them wore a ball cap backwards. They did not give the appearance that they were law enforcement officers and I did not pay them the proper respect. I believed I was witnessing a highjacking of our airplane. I overheard conversations between the young men that they were observing something going on at the back of the plane. It did not occur to me that I was seen as the problem until I was informed afterwards. I believe the situation was aggravated by my and other people's attitudes prompted by the September 11 attacks where we are all fearful of one another. I now know that my actions caused concern to the passengers, crew and law enforcement for which I am deeply sorry. RICHARD BIZZARO