New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has been arrested after he attempted to board a plane at LaGuardia Airport while in possession of a gun. ESPNreports that Williams was in possession of a firearm with an Alabama permit, which is where he grew up. Early reports indicated it was not immediately clear whether the gun—allegedly a Glock 19 pistol—was loaded, but Port Authority Police spokeswoman Lenis Rodriguez told CNN that it was not.
Williams was arrested after the gun was discovered at a Delta check-in counter at 9:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. He was processed by the Port Authority Police Department, but the situation was handed over to the Queens District Attorney when he was released. Williams has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, and is set to be arraigned March 25, the spokeswoman for Queens DA Melinda Katz confirmed.
The 22-year-old was drafted third overall by the Jets last year, becoming the highest-drafted defensive player in the team's history. He signed a four-year contact with $32.5 million fully guaranteed. Prior to his time with the Jets, he played for the University of Alabama. Despite the promise he showed, Williams hasn't been off to the strongest start with the team, bringing in only 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and no forced fumbles across 13 games in his rookie season.
The Jets and Williams have yet to publicly comment on his arrest.
