ATLANTA - Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, whose 2,066 rushing yards last season were second most in history, was indicted Wednesday on federal drug charges.
The Atlanta native is accused of trying to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in the summer of 2000 - just before he signed a six-year, $35.3-million contract with Baltimore. No drugs were purchased, according to the indictment.
Lewis' attorney, Ed Garland, said his client was innocent and would turn himself in today.
Lewis is charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms of cocaine and using a cell phone in the commission of the first count, U.S. Attorney William S. Duffey said.
The indictment came out of a drug investigation that has led to 30 convictions and helped dismantle a cocaine-trafficking ring in the city, Duffey said. He refused to say if Lewis was tied to that drug ring.
In an affidavit, FBI special agent Hoyt Mahaley said that an informant contacted Lewis on his cell phone on June 23, 2000, to discuss selling cocaine to Lewis' friend. The conversation was recorded, according to the agent.
"The cooperating source told Lewis that he/she was willing to sell the narcotics to Lewis' associates for a price that Lewis can tax," meaning the price could be marked up for a profit, Mahaley said in the affidavit.
"Lewis responded "Yeah,' " the agent said.
Lewis and the friend, Angelo Jackson, met with the informant at an Atlanta restaurant, the affidavit said. There, Lewis and Jackson asked the informant how much cocaine the informant was capable of distributing. Jackson and the informant met again on July 12, 2000, at a gas station in suburban Atlanta, the affidavit said. Lewis was not at the gas station.
Jackson also was indicted and arrested. He faces the same counts and a third for attempt to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
In a statement, the team said: "We believe in due process, and Jamal will have his day in court. There are two sides to every story. From what we know of the charges, these seem out of character for the Jamal we know."
DOLPHINS: Though the team is expected to trade for quarterback A.J. Feeley next week, it wants to keep four-year starter Jay Fiedler. Dave Wannstedt and Fiedler held what the coach described as a "positive and productive meeting" at the team's training facility.
"I told him I knew how much he has meant to our team, and I emphasized I want him back this year," Wannstedt said.
The Dolphins are expected to send a conditional second-round pick to Philadelphia on March 3 for Feeley. Fiedler's agent, Brian Levy, said the Dolphins indicated Feeley will be the starter.
GIANTS: Brian Mitchell, the league's career leader in total yardage (23,330), was released with running back Dorsey Levens. Defensive end Keith Washington re-signed.
PATRIOTS: Two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady had minor surgery to alleviate lingering soreness in his passing shoulder. The team said his prognosis was excellent but did not elaborate.
TITANS: Quarterback Steve McNair pleaded innocent to charges of drunken driving and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. McNair, who had surgery on his left ankle last week, did not appear in Davidson County (Tenn.) Criminal Court. His attorney entered the plea. McNair is due in court April 15 for initial discussions in his case and again on June 3. He was indicted earlier this month on charges stemming from his arrest in May.
ARENA FOOTBALL: The Storm released kicker Ian Howfield, who missed an extra point and an 18-yard field goal in Sunday's 56-48 loss to Austin. Mike Black, Tampa Bay's kicker from 2001-03, worked out but has not been signed.
- Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.
