I found additional claims in other articles about this.
* United airlines bans these devices by policy.
* The stewardess asked the man to remove the device, he refused.
* The lady threw the drink after the man refused the stewardess’ request.
* The seats they were in have 4 more inches legroom than standard coach. (this article said it had more but not how much)
Guess united could ban the guy from the airline for using prohibited device and refusing to take it off when asked
If he'd claimed to be muslim, the airlines would've given up any argument over the matter.