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.

``Obviously I did not know I was carrying my gun. This morning I grabbed a bag and placed my clothing in the bag, then rushed to the airport. I had forgotten that the last time I had used the bag was when I went target shooting,'' Jones said.

Jones said he fully cooperated and that authorities confiscated the handgun at the security gate. He said he has a license for the gun along with a permit allowing him to carry the weapon.

``Realizing that I was not intentionally carrying the handgun nor did I have any intention of harming anyone, I was allowed to board my airplane and continue my travels,'' Jones said.

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

Jones finished the 2007 season on injured reserve. A third-round pick in the 2005 draft, Jones has 71 catches for 931 yards and eight touchdowns in his career.