Ex-Football Star Wells Testifies against Extortion Suspect

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Former Ohio State star and NFL player Christopher "Beanie" Wells has testified against a man suspected of trying to extort at least $65,000 from him over a botched drug deal.

Cleveland.com reports the 27-year-old Wells testified Wednesday at Franklin Conley's federal trial, denying Conley's allegations that Wells was tied up in drug dealing.

Prosecutors say the 28-year-old Akron man threatened violence toward Wells and his family if the former Arizona Cardinals running back didn't pay between $65,000 and $175,000.

Conley's attorney says Wells and his brother helped arrange a bad drug deal for Conley and another man and took their money.

Wells adamantly denied that. He isn't charged with a crime.

Wells was released by the Cardinals in 2013, later tore his Achilles tendon and hasn't played since then.