A federal judge in Dallas ordered former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd to be jailed indefinitely Tuesday for failing two drug tests and allegedly buying drugs while already facing charges he tried to distribute marijuana and cocaine.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan indicated that he was less troubled by the drug tests than the allegations that Hurd had tried to buy drugs while he was out on bond. He revoked Hurd’s $100,000 bond.
After the hearing, Hurd turned toward his family and supporters in the courtroom and said: “Lies.” He spoke briefly to a few people watching before he was led out of the courtroom.
The 27-year-old Hurd, who played for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, was arrested again earlier this month. Prosecutors say he tested positive for marijuana at least twice this year. His cousin also allegedly told authorities he tried to buy five kilograms of cocaine (about 11 pounds) and 200 pounds of marijuana on Hurd’s behalf.
The cousin, Jesse Tyrone Chavful, also told prosecutors he sold Hurd 30 pounds of marijuana for $10,500 in May.
Hurd was arrested in December after allegedly accepting cocaine from an undercover agent at a suburban Chicago steakhouse. According to court documents, Hurd took 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds) of cocaine and told the officer he wanted to eventually buy five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute in the Chicago area.
An alleged co-conspirator accused of helping Hurd, Toby Lujan, pleaded guilty last week to a cocaine possession charge.
WALLACE IN CAMP
Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Wallace ended his training-camp-long holdout and reported to camp.
The 26-year-old restricted free agent will play under the one-year, $2.7 million tender offered by the Steelers and hope something lengthier gets worked out before the regular season begins next week.
Wallace, who caught a career-high 72 passes for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns last season, remains optimistic an agreement can be reached sometime before Pittsburgh faces Denver on Sept. 9.
COOLEY RELEASED
The Redskins released two-time Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley, the team’s longest-tenured player, a few hours after cutting kicker Graham Gano and replacing him with Billy Cundiff.
Coach Mike Shanahan said the decision on Cooley came down to a matter of playing time. Fred Davis, who had a breakout year in 2011, has emerged as the new starting tight end, relegating Cooley being backup fullback and tight end.
EXTRA POINTS
Former All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook will officially retire as a member of the Eagles today and will be honored during a game against Washington in December. … Chris Redman, who spent the past four seasons as Atlanta’s No. 2 quarterback, was released so the team could sign Luke McCown to back up Matt Ryan. … Browns rookie starting quarterback Brandon Weeden will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition finale against Chicago, and Colt McCoy will start. … Bengals center Kyle Cook could be lost for the season because of a foot and ankle injury.
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