Legendary NBA player Bill Russell, 79, was arrested at Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport on Wednesday for carrying a loaded gun through airport security, reports CNN.com.
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The fully loaded .38 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun was detected during a carry-on bag search.
“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,” a TSA statement said.
Russell, the first Black coach in the NBA, was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, along with former President George H. W. Bush, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Stan Musial and 11 others.
The Boston Celtics legend was issued a citation and could be fined up to $7,500.
