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Former NFL wide receiver is a free man.
According to a report from the San Antonio Express-News, the 37-year-old Hurd was released from federal prison on January 31 and placed in community confinement in San Antonio after serving 10 years behind bars for cocaine trafficking.
“Unlike some inmates after release from prison, Sam, in the future, will follow the right path and be a positive part of society,” Hurd’s attorney, Jay Ethington, told ABC Chicago.
“Sam was one of the very good guys that was drawn into the trap of illicit drugs. The Federal Judge that reluctantly imposed the severe sentence, was confident that when Sam returned home he’d be law-abiding and successful. Sam is a smart and caring person. Keep the criminals away from tricking him, and he’ll be just fine.”
Hurd, who was playing for the Chicago Bears, was arrested in Chicago after allegedly telling an undercover agent that he wanted to buy large amounts of cocaine and marijuana.
Hurd told the agent he wanted 5 to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute.
At the time of his arrest, he was in the first season of a three-year, $5 million contract with the Bears in 2011. He had played in 12 games before his arrest.
Prior to signing with the Bears, Hurd — an undrafted wide receiver out of Northern Illinois University — played five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
Throughout his career, Hurd hauled in 53 receptions, 739 yards, and two touchdowns in 77 games.
