BILLINGS, Mont. -- Former NFL running back Travis Henry pleaded guilty Thursday to trafficking cocaine in a federal drug case that could land him in prison for 10 years or more.
Appearing in federal court in Billings, Mont., Henry, 30, admitted to a single count of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.
He was arrested in Denver last October after authorities broke apart a drug ring that trafficked cocaine between Colorado and Montana. Henry was described as the "money guy" who helped finance the operation.
U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull accepted the guilty plea and set a July 15 sentencing date. Two other cocaine trafficking charges were dropped under a deal worked out with prosecutors.
Henry will remain free on $400,000 bond. Henry's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said Henry recently sold his Colorado property and will live in Florida until his July sentencing.
Since his arrest, financial troubles prompted Henry to ask for reductions in his child-support obligations. A hearing in one child-support case, in Polk County, Fla., is set for May 8.
Henry spoke briefly during Thursday's hearing, saying he first became involved in the cocaine ring in 2008.
Asked by Cebull about the nature of his crimes, Henry replied, "I was involved in an agreement with other people to possess and distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine."
He declined further comment after the hearing.