HOUSTON -- Former NFL star Dexter Manley faces an arrest warrant for failing to appear at a pre-sentencing hearing after his conviction on drug charges.

A jury found the defensive lineman guilty Wednesday of attempting to swallow less than a gram of cocaine during a January 2001 drug bust at a motel.

The 43-year-old Manley had said he was innocent. He remained free on $20,000 bail pending his sentencing but missed Thursday's hearing. His formal sentencing is April 5.

Manley's lawyer, Jonathan Munier, said his client was aware of the scheduled meeting.

"He was informed by both myself and the court," Munier said. "I'm terribly disappointed. I don't know where he is, but I would urge him, if he could hear me, that he needs to make his appearance before the court as soon as possible."

Manley faces up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine

He was stopped Jan. 10, 2001, when officers watched him leave a hotel room they were about to search. Police said Manley tried to swallow the cocaine as they were attempting to arrest him.

Prosecutors said Manley was not the subject of the warrant and just happened to be there.

Drugs led to Manley's retirement from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1991 after a second failed drug test. Manley had previously failed a drug test in 1989 while playing for the Washington Redskins. He was suspended from the NFL and the next year joined the Arizona Cardinals.