Bill Russell releases statement apologising for gun incident

Former Boston Celtics center and head coach Bill Russell has apologised for an incident in which he was arrested for being in the possession of a gun at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

TSA agents found a loaded handgun, which the 79-year-old legally owned, inside Russell's carry-on bag before he was due to fly to Boston.

"Before boarding my flight from Seattle to Boston, I had accidentally left a legal firearm in my bag. I apologize and truly regret the mistake," Russell said in a statement.

"I was issued a citation by the TSA, whose agents couldn't have been more thorough and professional when dealing with this. I really appreciate their efforts to keep air travel safe."

Russell was named MVP of the NBA five times as a player.