Newton, Nate - Sentenced in drug case - CNN
Former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on August 14 after pleading guilty to drug charges.
Newton, 40, was apprehended with 175 pounds of marijuana in his truck last December. He pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute. Newton also was fined $25,000 and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service, lecturing students about the importance of avoiding drugs.
By pleading guilty, Newton avoided a possible 20-year sentence and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to report to prison on October 8.
Authorities found $10,000 cash in his truck and the marijuana in an accompanying vehicle. The driver of the other car, Charles Deaundra Howard, 25, and a third suspect, Billy Crenshaw also pleaded guilty.
At the time of his arrest, Newton was free on bail for a similar incident in Louisiana. He is accused of driving a van with 213 pounds of marijuana on November 4, 2001. The case is pending.
Newton played 13 seasons in Dallas and was named to the Pro Bowl six times. He also helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls in the 1990s. He retired in 1999 after playing one season with the Carolina Panthers.
BINGHAMTON, New York -- Former NBA forward Sylvester "Sly" Williams pleaded guilty August 19 to kidnapping charges just before jury selection was to begin for his trial.
Williams, 44, was charged with first-degree rape, sodomy and first-degree kidnapping for allegedly holding a woman captive for about 24 hours and threatening her with a knife in September 2001. He was also accused of raping a second woman in January. The two cases were consolidated.
Williams will be sentenced Friday and could face up to five years in prison.
Williams, a college star at Rhode Island, was a first round draft pick by the Knicks in 1979. He played for the Celtics in 1985, but was released before the end of the season. Williams was working for a pipe and plastics company at the time of his arrest.
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Former NFL defensive lineman Alonzo Spellman will remain in jail while he awaits trial for airline rage.
A federal judge denied bail on August 13, ruling that Spellman is dangerous and should not be released.
Spellman was charged August 2 with terrorizing 138 people on a flight from Cincinnati to Philadelphia, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.