National Football League running back Jamal Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens has been indicted on federal drug charges.
At a news conference Wednesday, U.S. Attorney William Duffey announced that Lewis is accused of conspiring to distribute five kilograms of cocaine in the summer of 2000. Lewis rushed for 2,066 yards last season -the second-highest rushing total in NFL history.
Lewis turned himself in to authorities in Atlanta on Thursday. Lewis' attorney, Ed Garland, says the Ravens' star is innocent of the charges.
"People can be falsely accused, and he denies completely being involved in any drug activity, of conspiring in any way to distribute or possess drugs or making any calls in an effort to distribute drugs," he said.
However Garland said he was aware Lewis was the target of an investigation.
"We had known about some investigation for an extended period of time. However, there had been no formal charge made, and we did not believe one would be made. It comes as somewhat of a surprise," he said. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team was aware of the indictment and was trying to learn more about it. The NFL declined to comment.