NBA legend Bill Russell was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Wednesday for possession of a gun in a prohibited area.
According to Fox Sports, Russell did have a permit for the gun, but still faces up to $7,500 in fines for bringing the .38-caliber handgun into a security-protected area. Since guns are only allowed in check-in luggage, the former Boston Celtics player's weapon was taken away during a carry-on screening and Russell was taken into custody - he was released with a citation shortly after.
CNN reports that a statement from the Transportation Security Administration reads, "Firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and realistic replicas of firearms are always prohibited in carry-on baggage. However, these items can be transported in checked baggage provided the traveler declares them to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process."
Russell played center for the Celtics from 1956 to 1968, racking up five NBA Most Valuable Player titles, played in 12 All-star games and won 11 NBA championships. Boston will reveal a statue honoring the Hall of Famer on Nov. 1.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
