Ill. sportscaster faces trial on drug arrest

PEKIN, Ill. -- Former NFL player and Fox Sports broadcaster Bill Maas will be tried March 10 on felony drug and misdemeanor weapons charges.

Maas was arraigned in Tazewell County Circuit Court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to the counts against him and requested a jury trial.

Maas was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance after Illinois State Police allegedly found cocaine and Ecstasy in his Hummer during a July roadside safety check in East Peoria.

The 45-year-old broadcaster is also charged with misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon after police allegedly found a loaded handgun in the vehicle.

Maas played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers and later worked for Fox Sports.