NBA Hall of Famer Arrested, Had Loaded Gun at Airport

Bill Russell had a .38-caliber pistol in luggage: TSA
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 19, 2013 5:33 AM CDT
NBA Hall of Famer Arrested, Had Loaded Gun at Airport
Former Boston Celtis' Bill Russell watches the NBA All-Star Saturday Night basketball competition in this Feb. 16, 2013 file photo in Houston.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was arrested this week at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officials found a loaded gun in his luggage. Russell was arrested Wednesday night as he attempted to go through security. Airport spokesman Perry Cooper confirmed last night that Russell was cited for having a weapon in a prohibited area. Russell's gun was confiscated and he was released.

Russell's gun was a .38-caliber pistol and was loaded with six rounds, according to a TSA spokesman. He was turned over to Port of Seattle police and there were no disruptions at the airport. The 79-year-old Russell has lived in the Seattle area for decades. He was an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and coached the Seattle SuperSonics from 1973-77. (More airport security stories.)

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