Pubdate: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 Source: United Press International Copyright: 1999 United Press International FOOTBALL PLAYER TO STAND TRIAL MIAMI, Fla., - A National Football League player accused of money laundering in connection with a south Florida cocaine ring operated by a childhood friend will stand trial May 3. Tony Martin was charged in a federal indictment with laundering money for convicted drug smuggler Rickey Brownlee. Brownlee served seven years in prison for a cocaine conviction in the 1980's. Martin, who played for the Atlanta Falcons in 1998, was hoping his case would not come to trial until after the 1999 NFL season. The 33-year-old Martin is accused of paying legal fees for Brownlee whose lawyers feared Brownlee's money might be tainted. Martin is alleged to have also purchased cars for Brownlee and his associated and was reimbursed. Prosecutors say Martin's, accepting the paybacks completes the circle of money laundering. - --- MAP posted-by: Rich O'Grady