Tom Hammonds, a reserve forward for the Washington Bullets, was charged yesterday with transporting a handgun after a state trooper stopped his car to give him a speeding ticket.

Hammonds, 23, of Columbia, was stopped at 9:45 a.m. on Route 32 and charged with driving his 1989 Ford four-wheel drive vehicle at 72 miles in a 55 mph zone.

Trooper Barry D. Garver said he spotted a handgun on the center console inside the car, and a subsequent search turned up 60 rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment. The handgun was not loaded.

Transporting a handgun is a misdemeanor. For a first offender, the maximum punishment is a fine of up to $2,500 and a prison sentence up to three years. Hammonds was released on his own recognizance pending his trial.