THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee receiver Brandon Jones apologized in court Monday for accidentally carrying a handgun into an airport and could have the misdemeanour charge expunged after six months in a diversion plan.

His lawyer, David Raybin, said Jones also paid a US$500 fine after his General Sessions Court appearance concerning the June incident.

Jones was trying to catch a flight to Phoenix and had forgotten the .32-calibre gun was in a small pouch inside a bag. He issued an apology at the time, and airport police confiscated the gun.

"He's a great football player, and he's got a great career ahead of him," Raybin said. "He made an error, and he apologized profusely."

Jones had 931 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons.