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Ex-NFL's Smith charged with cocaine sale

Posted on: Monday, 3 October 2005, 19:37 CDT

DENVER (Reuters) - Former NFL running back and Super Bowl record-holder Timmy Smith was charged with cocaine trafficking on Monday as he made his first appearance in federal court.

Smith and his brother, Christopher, answered "Yes, Ma'am," when asked by U.S. District Magistrate Patricia Coan if they understood their rights and the charges against them.

The former Washington Redskins running back, 41, and his brother, who were brought handcuffed into the courthouse, were arrested on Friday after a six-month undercover investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

In January 1988, Smith rushed for a Super Bowl-record 204 yards in the Washington Redskins' 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, but never could recapture his record-breaking performance in subsequent seasons. He last played in the NFL in 1990 for Dallas.

Timmy Smith's lawyer, Will Hood, said of his client: "He's very concerned about the serious allegations against him. Right now his concern is being allowed to post bond and return to his family."

A bail hearing is expected on Thursday.

Jeffrey Sweetin, DEA special agent in charge of the Rocky Mountain Division, said Friday in announcing the arrest that Smith and his brother Christopher, 35, had sold a total of $37,000 worth of cocaine to undercover agents since April.

On Friday, Timmy Smith fled in a sport utility vehicle as agents moved in to arrest him after he allegedly sold some 1.1 pounds of cocaine worth $13,600 to an undercover agent, Sweetin said. He was arrested about 20 minutes later by Denver police.

Christopher Smith was arrested without incident in a separate vehicle near where the alleged drug buy took place.

The brothers face up to 40 years in prison each if convicted.

Timmy Smith had no prior drug arrests and recently was employed as a security guard at a Denver juvenile detention facility, authorities said.

Source: REUTERS

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