Irvin’s Friend: I’M No Traitor Roberts Claims He Cut No Deal To Sidestep Jury’s Indictment

Alfredo Roberts said Tuesday that he did not betray friend and former teammate Michael Irvin to avoid indictment on drug charges by a grand jury.

“That is something that never crossed my mind,” Roberts said at a news conference, where he spoke at length for the first time since he, Irvin and two women were involved in a motel room incident where drugs were found. He said he would not comment on specifics of the case because of a judge’s gag order.

“As far as my relationship with my friend … we understand what we’re going through and the love I have for him that no one could ever imagine,” Roberts said, adding he loves the Dallas receiver like a brother.

Irvin and two topless dancers were indicted Monday on charges of cocaine and marijuana possession. The 30-year-old All-Pro receiver is free on $5,500 bond and will await trial along with Angela Renee Beck, 22, and Jasmine J. Nabwangu, 21. No trial date has been set.

Roberts, a former tight end and an associate in Irvin’s “Masterpeace Ragz” line of apparel, was with the trio but wasn’t charged.

He said he never could have made a deal with prosecutors for leniency at Irvin’s expense.

“I myself did not receive, nor did not know of receiving, anything different from anyone else …,” said Roberts, who also played with Irvin at the University of Miami. “The facts are that I know of no other preferential treatment that I’ve received. I’ve done everything just like everybody else.”

If convicted, Irvin and Beck could face two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for felony possession of four or more grams of cocaine.

As he appeared before reporters Tuesday, Roberts apologized to his family, friends and public for his involvement in the incident.

When was asked whether he had used or uses drugs, Roberts replied, “absolutely not.”

Meanwhile, an official of the NFL Players Association denied a Dallas Morning News report that several Dallas offensive players tested positive for drugs last spring.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, meanwhile, reported today that Irvin is nearing entrance into Stage 1 of the NFL’s substance-abuse program.