Hornets F Butler arrested on gun charges

Jun 23, 2008 - 10:26 PM MIAMI (Ticker) -- New Orleans Hornets forward Rasual Butler was arrested early Monday morning on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and wrongful display of a firearm.

According to Miami Beach police, Butler pointed the unregistered firearm at several people during an altercation that occurred at approximately 5 a.m.

Butler, 29, admitted to police that he does not have a concealed weapons permit in the state of Florida.

According to the police report, witnesses claimed that Butler pulled the loaded gun from his waistband and pointed it at a group of people gathering in the area.

When informed that he would be arrested, Butler told police that he was "a professional athlete" and that he "didn't do anything wrong." Butler currently is being held at Dade County Jail on $6,000 bond.

"We've been in contact with Rasual's representatives this morning and we're in the process of gathering all the accurate and pertinent information regarding this incident," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said in a statement released Monday afternoon. "We take these matters very seriously and we'll work with all appropriate authorities."

The 6-7 Butler appeared in 51 games for the Hornets this past season, averaging 4.9 points and 2.0 rebounds. The Philadelphia native also has played for the Miami Heat during his six-year NBA career.