Bill Russell, the NBA legend who has the most championships as a player, was arrested in Seattle last Wednesday for carrying a gun but was immediately released after it was vouched that he had a permit for the gun.

According to KiroTv.com, the Boston Celtics legend was arrested at Sea-Tac International Airport for carrying a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun at a security checkpoint. He was charged by the Port of Seattle police but was discharged after showing permit and clearing the background check according to an airport spokesman per the same source.

KiroTv.cim adds that guns and realistic replicas of firearms are among those prohibited in carry-on baggage. Aside from facing state criminal charges, anyone found guilty of carrying firearms to security checkpoint will face civil penalty.

Russell is the most accomplished winner in the sport, having 11 rings as a center for the Boston Celtics. He spent his entire playing career for the Celtics from 1956 to 1969 after serving the US national basketball team which won an Olympic medal in 1956. He also served as a player-coach for the Celtics and was named mentor of the Seattle Supersonics in 1983. He also coached Sacramento in 1987. He is one of the league's greatest players having been inducted in the 50 greatest list in 1997.

Russell has no record of misdemeanor and is one of the most respected sports figures of all time. In 2011, he was conferred the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role during the civil rights movement. The 79 year old lives on Mercer Island which is within the Seattle area.