Bengals' Simpson pleads not guilty

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COVINGTON, Ky., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson pleaded not guilty to a felony drug count in a Kentucky courtroom Monday.

Simpson entered the plea in a Kenton County, Ky., court in response to charges he trafficked marijuana in excess of 8 ounces -- a charge that could draw a sentence of one to five years in prison.

He was indicted Jan. 19 after a September arrest.

Prosecutors say police intercepted a package containing 2 1/2 pounds of marijuana shipped to Simpson's Kentucky home from California. A subsequent search of the home turned up another 6 pounds of pot, police allege.

Simpson's bond was set at $2,500. A hearing was scheduled for Feb. 20.