Drug trial for ex-Bears receiver Hurd set for April 2

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Updated: February 2, 2012 11:00AM

DALLAS — Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd is set 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 Rosemont steakhouse on Dec. 14, the Bears cut him from their roster shortly afterward.

Hurd has pleaded not guilty.

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 still be delayed as Hurd, alleged co-conspirator Toby Lujan and federal prosecutors file motions beforehand.

Hurd is a San Antonio native who went to Northern Illinois University and played in the NFL for the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys.

According to the criminal complaint against him, 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 an alleged co-conspirator, Toby Lujan, are charged with conspiracy to possess and an attempt to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The Bears had signed Hurd as a free agent last summer to a three-year, $5.1 million deal. He was a backup receiver for the Bears after five seasons with the Cowboys.

Hurd’s attorney has said his client never gave or sold any illegal drugs to NFL players.