Atlanta Reporter Tabitha Turner Allegedly Assaulted By Uber Driver In Highway Altercation

Atlanta-based NBA and WNBA reporter Tabitha Turner alleges she was violently attacked by her Uber driver, Nicole Smith, during a ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Turner requested the driver to roll up the windows and turn on the air conditioning as she had selected a "cool" ride through Uber Comfort, but Smith refused and pulled over on a dangerous highway shoulder, ordering Turner to exit the vehicle. When Turner refused, demanding a refund or police involvement, Smith pepper-sprayed her, prompting Turner to use pepper spray in self-defense, also scratching Smith. The altercation was captured on video by Turner and witnessed by a passerby who intervened, leading to Smith's hospitalization and probable cause for charges of battery and simple battery. Turner has since faced online harassment and threats related to the incident and held a press conference with her attorney to address the situation and refute claims made by Smith, who stated she acted in self-defense. Police noted the incident occurred in a hazardous location along I-85, and both the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream teams have declined to comment on the matter so far.