Published January 13, 2015
A judge says a former Auburn football player will go on trial next week on robbery charges.
Lee County Circuit Judge Chris Hughes cleared the way during a hearing Friday for Mike McNeil's trial to begin Monday.
McNeil's lawyer was trying to withdraw from the case, a move that prosecutors say could have meant a postponement. But the judge refused to let defense lawyer Ben Hand drop McNeil as a client.
McNeil is among four former Auburn football players charged in a residential holdup in 2011. McNeil's attorney says McNeil turned down a plea deal and maintains he is innocent.
Former Auburn player Antonio Goodwin was convicted last year and is in prison.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/judge-clears-way-for-trial-of-ex-auburn-player-charged-in-robbery