Cincinnati Bengals' right tackle Andre Smith, 25, was arrested Thursday and released today in Atlanta after being accused of bringing a gun into Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport yesterday.
Airport police were alerted after security officers discovered a loaded pistol in one of his carry-on bags.
The Atlanta police shared that Smith was indeed busted with a .380 caliber pistol as he was preparing to board a plane to Miami according to USA Today.
The NFL confirmed today on their website that Smith was booked into Clayton County jail yesterday, appeared in an Atlanta courtroom this morning, and was eventually released this afternoon on a $3,000 bond.
Andre will be back in court on Feb. 4 for his preliminary hearing.
USA Today went on to report that individuals familiar with the circumstances of the case who wanted to remain anonymous, said that Smith didn’t know that there was a loaded firearm in his carry-on bag.
"The team is aware of the incident. However, it would inappropriate to comment until the matter is resolved through normal legal channels." ~Jack Brennan, Cincinnati Bengals public relations director
The NFL will be conducting their own investigation into the matter as Smith’s alleged actions might be deemed to be in violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
Smith’s contract with the Bengals is set to expire soon. The 25-year-old right tackle might become a free agent in March if the Bengals don’t renew his contract.
For more on Andre Smith, see the video accompanying this article.
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