Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da’Quan Bowers was arrested at New York’s LaGuardia Airport for trying to pass a gun through bag check on Monday.
According to the Tampa Tribune, Bowers was close to boarding a flight on US Airways when his carry-on bag was checked. That’s where authorities found a loaded handgun.
Bowers posted bail late Monday and was released. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and is due in court on April 25th.
Because of the strict gun-control laws in New York, Bowers may miss the entire NFL season. He’s also facing up to 15 years of prison time.
Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress went to jail for almost two years after being charged with the same offense.
Details are still emerging, but now the Bucs may have to look for another defensive end if Bowers is lost for the season.
He only appeared in 10 games in 2012 and recorded just three sacks. 2013 represents a make-or-break year for his career, and having a gun charge hover surely places him in the Bucs dog house.
-JH
