That's a tough decision. There are some airlines, like Southwest, that happily throw anyone off the plane for the least little problem.

Besides Kevin Smith for being too fat (which he was later put on another SW flight and had no problems - apparently he wasn't too fat for that crew), there was a woman thrown off for having on an outfit deemed too skimpy (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/20638479/);

another woman removed for wearing a t-shirt deemed offensive (http://money.cnn.com/2005/10/06/news/fortune500/southwest_shirt/index.htm);

these girls were thrown off probably for being disruptive though they say it was because they were too pretty (http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=74549) - have to love the mind of an 18 year old;

this mom was kicked off a flight because her toddler was yelling "go, plane, go" and "i want daddy" (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33555007/);

So for being smelly? Sure why not. That is far more offensive than some of these reasons. Sadly, though, I think for some people it's a problem that they can't really control; while others it might be from not bathing.

Besides the fun of falling out of the sky (yes I know all about the statistics), you get the pleasure of dealing with flight and crew members that deem themselves the lords and masters of the sky. You are really at their mercy when flying, so if you do not conform to the non-fat, non-smelly, non-pretty, and non-toddler-toting then I suppose you can fly free of any hassle. Oh and don't forget to don't forget to wear your parka to cover up the offensive t-shirs and skimpy outfits.

I really dislike airlines. Yet another reason not to fly.

As a passenger, I would have been extremely relieved to have that man removed. A strong odor can make others sick to their stomachs, cause headaches, etc. Airline travel is extremely expensive, and there are some things paying customers should not have to deal with. The idea that people have some sort of inherent right to fly is completely unfounded. If you cannot generally sit and not bother the people around you, then the airline should be able to refuse service.

Some people are completely unaware of how badly they smell, but many others seem to just not care. This person may need to understand that he has a medical condition that effects others, and prohibits him for using public transportation. Or, he may need to recognize that after a 3-day bender with no shower, he needs to clean up. Either way, the airline acted correctly.

If I were a passenger on the same flight I would wish that the person had been removed however wouldn't there be a possibility that it would be considered discrimination? Wouldn't the airline be leaving themselves open for a law suit?

Yes from the airlines point of view when just one person demands their money back the rest will follow. From a passenger point I would be that guy to want my money back. You cannot put everyone else in a bad predicament to save one persons feelings who obviously doesn't respect you or themselves.

removed?- like throw out of the airplane without the parachute.