Celtics' Center Arrested

Boston Celtics center Vitaly Potapenko pleaded innocent today to charges of disorderly conduct after being arrested arguing with his girlfriend at Logan International Airport.

"It was an argument," said defense lawyer Harry Manion. He explained the player, nicknamed the "Ukraine Train," was late picking up his fiancee at the airport.

"I just regret it happened, you know, and I wish it never happened," Potapenko said after being released on his own recognizance following his arraignment in East Boston District Court. "It's going to be a lesson for me in the future."

Massachusetts Port Authority employees called state police to break up the altercation in one of the airport's terminals, State Police Sgt. Edwin Anderson said. Potapenko and the woman were in a parking lot when troopers arrived. Potapenko was arrested when he refused to leave, Anderson said.

The Celtics did not return calls for comment.

The Ukrainian-born Potapenko, 24, was traded to Boston in March from the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 33 games with the Celtics last season, he averaged 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds.

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