Ex-Cowboy faces drug charges

ST. MARTINVILLE, La. -- Former Dallas Cowboys star Nate Newton was arrested when police confiscated 213 pounds of marijuana from a van on a highway.

Newton and two others were charged Sunday with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Trooper Willie Williams said Tuesday. A fourth person, arrested in a separate vehicle with $18,000, was charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics.

All four were in the St. Martin Parish Jail on Tuesday with bail set at $200,000 each.

Newton is a six-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who helped Dallas win three Super Bowls. He spent 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 with Dallas. He retired last year after a season with Carolina.

The 39-year-old Newton worked last year as a commentator on ESPN radio and more recently was an analyst for some BET television college football broadcasts, said his agent, Jim Neader. Neader had not heard about the arrest.

Williams said a state police patrol pulled over a van for a traffic violation on Sunday about 6 a.m. east of Lafayette.

"The driver seemed nervous and gave consent to search the van," Williams said. He did not say who was driving.

Cardboard boxes filled with 213 pounds of marijuana were in the van, Williams said.

Newton, who lives in East Ellijay, Ga., was arrested along with Faye Cleveland, 46, and Marva Johnson Waye, 49, both of Jacksonville, Fla. All three were charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.