Too Tipsy for Takeoff? Apprentice Champ John Rich Booted From Southwest Flight

Too Tipsy for Takeoff? Apprentice Champ John Rich Booted From Southwest Flight

by Natalie Finn Mon., Dec. 5, 2011 3:30 PM PST

Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images

John Rich's latest trip sure sounds like it was caught Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace.

"Did John Rich have a great time with fans in Las Vegas? Yes. Was there an altercation? Absolutely not," the country singer's spokesman tells E! News in response to a report that the Celebrity Apprentice winner was kicked off a Southwest flight from Vegas to Nashville yesterday for drunkenly kickin' up a ruckus.

But we hear that Rich was indeed the passenger whom the airline assessed was "not fit for travel."

READ: John Rich and wife welcome second son

"Our crew assessed the situation and determined that the passenger was not fit for travel," read a statement from Southwest, which, as a rule, does not reveal or confirm passenger names.

"The decision was based on governing federal aviation (FAA) regulations that our crew must follow. The customer was immediately rebooked on a later Southwest flight out of Las Vegas, but chose to make alternative travel arrangements. We have processed a refund for the customer and his travel companion. Our Employees are responsible for the safety and comfort of everyone onboard a flight. If we can mitigate an uncomfortable situation prior to departure, it is our preference to do so and that is what happened in this scenario."

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A source close to the situation tells E! News that it was indeed Rich who was boisterous with other passengers before boarding and appeared intoxicated once he was in his seat. When the flight crew asked him to leave, he left without incident.

But Rich's memories of the weekend, which included a concert Saturday at the Eastside Cannery casino, aren't showing any evidence of a hangover.

"Had fun with the folks in Vegas! What a great night!" he tweeted today. "Country fans are the BEST! Thx for coming out to the show, see you soon!"

—Reporting by Holly Passalaqua

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