Former Dallas Cowboys offensive linemanNate Newton says his competitive nature led him into the drug business.
“I’ve always been competitive, I’ve always been in sports,”said Newton, a six-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who retiredafter the 2000 season. “I couldn’t see myself not being thebiggest dope man.”
Newton, 43, was released from a Louisiana prison last year ondrug possession charges after serving about 2½ years behind bars.
Newton, of East Ellijay, Ga., estimated he stood to make up to$75,000 per drug deal, another reason he said running drugsappealed to him.
In November 2001, he and two women were pulled over for atraffic violation on Interstate 10 in St. Martin Parish, La. Newtonand the others were accused of hauling 213 pounds of marijuana intheir van with plans to sell it.
While out on bond six weeks later, Newton was arrested again,this time in Ellis County. He was accused of hauling 175 pounds ofmarijuana in the trunk of a car.
Newton made his comments Thursday during a talk show on Dallasradio station KKDA. He said he became remorseful while serving timein a federal prison in Texarkana, before he was transferred to afederal facility in Louisiana.
“I got on my knees and said, ‘God, I want to make a deal. …You protect me in here, and when I come out, I’ll do everything Ican to make it right,'” he said.
