DALLAS -- Former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd is scheduled to go on trial April 2 on charges that he tried to create a drug-distribution network, according to a federal judge's order.
Hurd, 26, is accused of trying to buy large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, including an alleged buy of one kilogram of cocaine. He was arrested outside of a Chicago-area steakhouse on Dec. 14 and cut shortly afterward by the Chicago Bears.
Hurd has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Michael McCrum of San Antonio, did not return a message seeking comment.
U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis, in an order Wednesday, set a pretrial conference for March 21 before an April trial in Dallas federal court. The trial could be delayed as Hurd, alleged co-conspirator Toby Lujan and federal prosecutors file motions beforehand.
Hurd is a San Antonio native who played for the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys. According to a criminal complaint, Hurd told an undercover agent posing as a drug trafficker that he was interested in buying five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana weekly. Hurd allegedly described himself as in charge of "higher-end" deals.
Hurd and Lujan are both charged with conspiracy to possess and an attempt to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Lujan's attorney, Andrew Garcia Jr., said he has seen other cases delayed past their initial trial date, but declined to comment specifically on Lujan's case.
A spokeswoman for federal prosecutors in Dallas declined to comment.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
