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Sam Hurd Changes Lawyers In Drug Case

Sam Hurd
This is a 2009 photo of Sam Hurd of the Dallas Cowboys football team. This image reflects the Dallas Cowboys roster as of April 30, 2009 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)

DALLAS (AP) - Former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd has hired new attorneys to defend him against accusations that he tried to establish a drug-dealing ring.

One of Hurd's new lawyers says the former Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys receiver plans to plead not guilty this week. Jay Ethington says he and San Antonio attorney Michael McCrum will take over Hurd's case.

Hurd, a San Antonio native, is charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. He was arrested in December in the Chicago area during an undercover sting. The Bears released him a few days after the arrest.

Hurd is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, but he will seek to enter his plea electronically to avoid a brief hearing.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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