Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 16, 1991 TAG: 9104160277
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Igwebuike, the first NFL player ever charged in a heroin-related case, could have faced up to 120 years in a federal prison and $6 million in fines if convicted of conspiracy and drug importation.
"It's been rough - I went through hell," a teary-eyed Igwebuike said as he puffed a victory cigar outside the federal courthouse. "Finally, I got a chance to tell my own side of the story. I'm glad the truth finally came out . . . and I'm glad they listened."
Jurors who deliberated 5 1/2 hours over two days refused comment after the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Foster said prosecutors "put on the best case we could. There's nothing differently we would have done."
Defense attorney Frank Winkles blasted the government's case for relying on the testimony of convicted heroin smugglers and secretly recorded phone conversations full of oblique references in which the player was alleged to be talking about drugs.
"In the end, when everything was said and done, the government's case was so full of contradictions," Winkles said. "The type of people they were relying on - nobody would rely on people like that."
The 32-year-old Igwebuike, known to his fans as "Iggy," said he will turn his attentions to training for next season. "I want to kick. I want to play next season . . . and I want to get on with my life."
The verdict followed a two-week trial that focused on the relationship between Igwebuike and two Nigerian friends who pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.
The government contended Igwebuike, who made about $350,000 in his last year with the Vikings, was in financial trouble because of a free-spending lifestyle. They said the player knew his fellow Nigerians were active in heroin smuggling and saw smuggling as a chance for some easy money.
\ In other football:
A jury was seated in Houston for the trial of Washington Redskins wide receiver Ricky Sanders, who is accused of running over a parking attendant at a topless nightclub last May.
Sanders faces a charge of failing to stop and render aid in the May 1 incident, said prosecutor Marc Brown. The football player also faces an aggravated assault charge in the case, but a trial date has not been set.
The trial recessed Monday afternoon once the seven-man, five-woman jury was selected. Opening arguments were scheduled for today.
Assam Jamus, 29, has claimed Sanders ran over him after the two had an argument. Defense attorneys have said Sanders thought Jamus hit his car as he was driving away and have denied that their client had any intent to assault the man.
\ NOTE: a longer version of the Ricky Sanders story ran in the State edition.
by CNB