JAMAL LEWIS INDICTED ON FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES

ATLANTA - Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who gained the
second-highest rushing total in NFL history last season, was indicted
Wednesday on federal drug charges.

The native of Atlanta is accused of trying to help a childhood friend
buy cocaine in summer 2000 - not long before he signed a six-year,
$35.3 million contract with the Ravens.

No drugs were ever purchased, according to the indictment. Lewis'
attorney, Ed Garland, said his client was innocent and would turn
himself in today.

Lewis is charged with conspiring to possess, with the intent to
distribute, 5 kilograms of cocaine and using a cell phone in the
commission of the first count, according to U.S. Attorney William S.
Duffey.

The indictment came out of a drug investigation that has led to 30
convictions and helped dismantle a cocaine-trafficking ring in the
city, Duffey said.