Bill Russell Arrested on Gun Charges, NBA Legend Stopped in Seattle Airport

Bill Russell, the NBA legend was arrested for allegedly bringing a loaded gun to Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle this week, according to police.

The 79-year-old Russell was arrested and issued a state citation on Wednesday for having a weapon in a prohibited area of the airport, according to Perry Cooper, who is a spokesman for the Port of Seattle Police Department.

The 11 time NBA champion was issued a citation but then released and not held in jail. According to Lisette Garcia, a Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman, Russell had a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun in a restricted area of the airport and was found during screening of carry-on bags. 

"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 could also be fined up to $7,500.00 according to the TSA.

Russell was part of a group that was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, which is America's highest civilian honor.

The 6-foot-9 former Boston Celtics star played only 13 years in the league and his career ended in 1969. He also became the  the NBA's first African-American head coach during two years that he was playing.