Hurd Wanted 1K Pounds of Pot Per Week: Feds

Chicago Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd was held downtown overnight on federal accusations that he ran a massive drug ring in the city.

Hurd, who was traded from Dallas to the Bears in July, was taken into custody Wednesday night outside Morton's Steakhouse in Rosemont after he accepted a kilo of cocaine from an undercover federal agent he thought was a supplier.

The wideout was scheduled to pay for the drugs after payday on Thursday and Hurd wanted more, according to a criminal complaint.

His current supplier was only able to get him 4 kilos of coke a week, according to federal prosecutors, and that apparently wasn't enough for Hurd. He asked for 5-10 kilos of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute in Chicago.

He negotiated to receive the drugs at $25,000 per kilogram of cocaine and $450 per pound of marijuana, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint stated Hurd said he and another co-conspirator currently distribute approximately four kilograms of cocaine, worth about $100,000-$200,000, per week in the Chicago area.

Hurd had been on the federal radar since before he was traded to Chicago from Dallas, where investigators say he may have helped another man with a drug deal.

He's now charged with intention to conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which could get him up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.

His attorney said Thursday night outside of prison they feel pretty confident.

"Sam stands ready to fight this case and we're going to take it one step at a time," said attorney Brett Greenfield. "We're going to take it day by day. We had an opportunity after the hearing to meet with the United States Attorney's Office regarding bail."

"We anticipate, we're hopeful that [Friday] Sam will be released from custody," Greenfield said.

The football player's bond hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. He's at some point expected to be transferred back to Texas.

Hurd remains on the Bears' roster, though he was listed as non-practicing Thursday.

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