( CNN ) -- NBA legend Bill Russell was arrested this week for allegedly bringing a loaded gun to Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle , police said . Russell , 79 , was arrested Wednesday and issued a state citation for having a weapon in a prohibited area of the airport , said Perry Cooper , a Port of Seattle Police Department spokesman . Russell was issued a citation and released . He had a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun in a forbidden area of the airport , said Lisette Garcia , a Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman . The gun was found during a screening of carry-on bags at a checkpoint , the TSA said . `` 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 . Along with the state citation , Russell could be fined up to $ 7,500 , the TSA said . The 6-foot-9 former basketball star is best known for being the driving force behind an amazing string of consecutive NBA championships while playing for the Boston Celtics . He won 11 championships in his 13-year career that ended in 1969 . During two years of his career with the Celtics he also served as player and coach , becoming the NBA 's first African-American head coach . In 2011 , he was part of a group 15 people awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom , America 's highest civilian honor . Giants linebacker arrested with knife in luggage , police say .
Russell had handgun in the airport , authorities said . Russell played for the Boston Celtics . He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 .