FOOTBALL PLAYER TO STAND TRIAL

MIAMI, Fla., - A National Football League player
accused of money laundering in connection with a south Florida cocaine
ring operated by a childhood friend will stand trial May 3.

Tony Martin was charged in a federal indictment with laundering money
for convicted drug smuggler Rickey Brownlee. Brownlee served seven
years in prison for a cocaine conviction in the 1980's.

Martin, who played for the Atlanta Falcons in 1998, was hoping his
case would not come to trial until after the 1999 NFL season.

The 33-year-old Martin is accused of paying legal fees for Brownlee
whose lawyers feared Brownlee's money might be tainted. Martin is
alleged to have also purchased cars for Brownlee and his associated
and was reimbursed. Prosecutors say Martin's, accepting the paybacks
completes the circle of money laundering.