Quinnen Williams: New York Jets defensive lineman arrested for carrying a gun at airport

Twenty-two-year-old was detained at LaGuardia Airport on Thursday night

New York Jets' Quinnen Williams (right) was arrested for carrying a gun at an airport (AP)

New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon Thursday night when he attempted to board a plane, police said in a statement.

New York/New Jersey Port Authority Police said Williams, the team's first-round draft pick last season, was arrested at LaGuardia Airport around 9:15pm and charged. Police said Williams has a permit in his home state of Alabama for the Glock 19 pistol he was carrying onto the flight. It was not immediately known whether the gun was loaded.

The 22-year-old Williams was being processed by Port Authority Police late Thursday night. Police said the matter will be handled by the Queens district attorney's office after Williams was released.

Williams was drafted with the No 3 overall pick last year. He played in 13 games as a rookie, including nine starts, and had 31 tackles with two-and-a-half sacks and a forced fumble.

After an impressive junior season for Crimson Tide, Williams became the highest-drafted in Jets history when he signed a four-year £32.5m contract last year, which included a $21.7m signing bonus.

AP