ATLANTA -- Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who had the second-highest rushing total in NFL history last season, was indicted Wednesday on federal drug charges.
The Atlanta native is accused of trying to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in summer 2000 -- just before he signed a six-year, $35.3-million contract with the Ravens. No drugs were purchased, according to the indictment.
Lewis' attorney, Ed Garland, said his client was innocent and would turn himself in today.
"Mr. Lewis wants everybody to know that he did nothing wrong," Garland said. "He was not part of any drug deal and any contention that he was is false."
Lewis is charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and using a cell phone in the commission of the first count, said U.S. Attorney William S. Duffey.
In an affidavit, FBI special agent Hoyt Mahaley said an informant contacted Lewis on his cell phone on June 23, 2000, to discuss selling cocaine to Lewis' friend Angelo Jackson. The conversation was recorded, the agent said.
Miami: Coach Dave Wannstedt said although the Dolphins are expected to trade next week for Philadelphia quarterback A. J. Feeley, they also want to keep four-year starter Jay Fiedler.
New England: Two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady had minor surgery on his throwing shoulder to alleviate lingering soreness. The team did not say when Brady had the procedure but said his prognosis was excellent.
New York Giants: The Giants released two veterans they signed a year ago -- Brian Mitchell, the NFL's career total yardage and returns leader, and running back Dorsey Levens. They re-signed another of their free agents from last season, defensive lineman Keith Washington.
Tampa Bay: The potential swap of Bucs receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Dallas receiver Joey Galloway moved forward after Galloway interrupted a vacation in Mexico to talk to his prospective coach. Both players would have to agree to restructured contracts.
Tennessee: Through his attorney, quarterback Steve McNair pleaded not guilty in Nashville to charges of drunken driving and possession of a firearm while intoxicated in an incident last May. McNair, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle last week, did not appear in court.
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The Atlanta native is accused of trying to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in summer 2000 -- just before he signed a six-year, $35.3-million contract with the Ravens. No drugs were purchased, according to the indictment.
Lewis' attorney, Ed Garland, said his client was innocent and would turn himself in today.
"Mr. Lewis wants everybody to know that he did nothing wrong," Garland said. "He was not part of any drug deal and any contention that he was is false."
Lewis is charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and using a cell phone in the commission of the first count, said U.S. Attorney William S. Duffey.
In an affidavit, FBI special agent Hoyt Mahaley said an informant contacted Lewis on his cell phone on June 23, 2000, to discuss selling cocaine to Lewis' friend Angelo Jackson. The conversation was recorded, the agent said.
Miami: Coach Dave Wannstedt said although the Dolphins are expected to trade next week for Philadelphia quarterback A. J. Feeley, they also want to keep four-year starter Jay Fiedler.
New England: Two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady had minor surgery on his throwing shoulder to alleviate lingering soreness. The team did not say when Brady had the procedure but said his prognosis was excellent.
New York Giants: The Giants released two veterans they signed a year ago -- Brian Mitchell, the NFL's career total yardage and returns leader, and running back Dorsey Levens. They re-signed another of their free agents from last season, defensive lineman Keith Washington.
Tampa Bay: The potential swap of Bucs receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Dallas receiver Joey Galloway moved forward after Galloway interrupted a vacation in Mexico to talk to his prospective coach. Both players would have to agree to restructured contracts.
Tennessee: Through his attorney, quarterback Steve McNair pleaded not guilty in Nashville to charges of drunken driving and possession of a firearm while intoxicated in an incident last May. McNair, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle last week, did not appear in court.
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