NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Tennessee Titans receiver Brandon Jones faces a misdemeanor charge for unlawful possession of a handgun after trying to carry the weapon through a security checkpoint in his bag.

Mary Margaret Miller, a spokeswoman for Nashville International Airport, said Jones was issued a citation for carrying a loaded .32 caliber gun in his baggage Friday morning. She said Jones was cited after the gun was found at a regular security checkpoint.

Jones was released and caught his flight to Phoenix. He issued a statement through his agent, Craig Domann, apologizing to the Titans, his teammates and his family for any embarrassment the incident caused them.

A team spokesman said the Titans were aware of the incident and had no comment.