DALLAS -- Former Cowboys lineman Nate Newton's lawyer said Thursday that his client is not guilty of possessing 175 pounds of marijuana.

"Nate maintains his innocence and says he's not guilty," attorney Howard Shapiro said after Newton's initial appearance before a federal magistrate on the drug charge. "He's made mistakes in the past, but this was not one of them."

Newton, 39, told the magistrate that he understands the charge against him. Newton and two others were arrested Wednesday while driving in two cars south of Dallas. It was Newton's second drug arrest in the past two months.

Shapiro said the marijuana was not in the car Newton was driving, and that Newton wasn't aware of the drugs.

Newton was held without bail in federal custody on a charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Don Peritz, a spokesman for the Dallas County Sheriff's Department, said Newton was moved from the Lew Sterrett Justice Center earlier Thursday.

Also charged are Charles Deaundra Howard, 25, from Garland, Bruce Freeman-Canady, 30, from Jacksonville, Fla., and Billy Crenshaw, 25, from Dallas. Crenshaw wasn't arrested with the others on Wednesday, and authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest, the U.S. attorney's office said.

A detention hearing was set for 2 p.m. Friday for Newton, who remains in custody. Shapiro said Newton is not a flight risk, and that he will ask the judge to set bail tomorrow. Prosecutors do not want Newton released.

On Nov. 4, Newton was arrested in Louisiana after police said they found 213 pounds of marijuana in a van he was driving. He was released on $100,000 bond on charges of suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Phil Haney, the prosecutor in the Louisiana case, said Newton will probably be arraigned there in January, but that his latest arrest could affect the case.

Newton, who lives in East Ellijay, Ga., is a six-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who helped Dallas win three Super Bowls. He spent 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 with Dallas. He retired last year after a season with Carolina.