The Associated Press

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

He is accused of trying to help a friend buy cocaine in 2000 - just before Lewis signed a six-year, $35.3 million contract with the Ravens.

The running back's 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, plus using a cell phone in the commission of the first count.

In an affidavit, FBI special agent Hoyt Mahaley said an informant contacted Lewis on his cell phone on June 23, 2000, to discuss selling cocaine to Lewis' friend. The conversation was recorded, according to the agent.

"The cooperating source told Lewis that he/she was willing to sell the narcotics to Lewis' associates for a price that Lewis can tax," meaning the price could be marked up for a profit, Mahaley said in the affidavit.

"Lewis responded 'Yeah,' " the agent said.

Hours after the call, Lewis and the friend, Angelo Jackson, met with the informant at an Atlanta restaurant, and Lewis and Jackson asked how much cocaine the informant was capable of distributing, the affidavit said. Jackson and the informant met again on July 12, 2000, at a gas station in suburban Atlanta, the affidavit said, and they discussed drugs but made no purchase.

Lewis wasn't at the gas station. His attorney said Lewis was at the restaurant, but not for the reason alleged.

In November 2001, Lewis was suspended for four games for an unspecified violation of the NFL's substance and alcohol abuse policy.