Bill Russell arrested and released for having gun at airport

[sed522002]

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/10/19/celtics-legend-bill-russell-arrested-for-carrying-gun-in-airport/

SEATTLE, Wash. (CBS/AP) — 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 Friday 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.

Russell had a permit for the gun and was released.

[Cman]

I think Jeff's take on this is the right one: Bill packed two bags and put his gun in the wrong one (the carryon not the checked one). Still, should have unloaded it first.

[Eja117]

Don't take you gun to town Bill


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRls7nXI__U

[guava_wrench]

I think Jeff's take on this is the right one: Bill packed two bags and put his gun in the wrong one (the carryon not the checked one). Still, should have unloaded it first.

That makes sense to me.

[Celtics4ever]

Can we concentrate on catching real criminals not Bill Russell?   We can catch a aged former pro at the airport but a psycho can buy a gun anywhere and go on a spree.  Something seems really wrong with that.

[Clench123]

They should just leave the man alone.  Loaded gun or not, he has a permit for it. 

[mgent]

They should just leave the man alone.  Loaded gun or not, he has a permit for it.

I agree to a point, did they really have to arrest him in order to give him a citation for possession of weapon in a prohibited area?  He wasn't carrying the bag into a school where there's really no excuse, he was just trying to get all the property he brought back home.  I'm sure people put knives and other potentially deadly weapons on the conveyor belt by mistake all the time.  Sounds like it should only be a "pay the fine and move on."

[Neurotic Guy]

I don't think they are making too big a deal of it.  He's famous and therefore it gets press. But, I doubt anything too severe (other than public embarrassment) will come of it.
It's bad to carry a loaded gun into a prohibited area in an airport -- even if you are old and it is by mistake.  He'll be forgiven by everyone, but they couldn't just let it go.

[KGs Knee]

I don't think they are making too big a deal of it.  He's famous and therefore it gets press. But, I doubt anything too severe (other than public embarrassment) will come of it.
It's bad to carry a loaded gun into a prohibited area in an airport -- even if you are old and it is by mistake.  He'll be forgiven by everyone, but they couldn't just let it go.

I agree with this sentiment.

Regardless of intent, he broke the law.  It amazes me that in this age of heightened fear, and security at airports this type of thing  happens.  Sure, we all make mistakes from time to time, but this just seems like one that shouldn't really happen.

Look, I'm a known gun advocate.  I hate the way many people look down on guns, and people that own them.  But you have to be responsible.  Bringing a loaded gun to an airport is not responsible, accident or not.

And just because Bill is a famous individual should not exempt him from the same repercussions any other person would face, although it shouldn't bring any additional attention either.  I don't like the "oh, let's make an example of this famous person who did such ad such", it's just wrong.  But it's not as if he'll face any jail time anyway.  There's really not much to see here.

[dark_lord]

i hope old age hasnt made him lose his marbles.  you have to be an idiot to do what he did in today's society.