PHOENIX -- Former Arizona Cardinals fullback Dennis McKinley pleaded not guilty to drug and conspiracy charges Friday.

McKinley was arrested last month for involvement in an alleged drug ring based in Phoenix. He is charged with 19 counts that include conspiracy, illegal control of an enterprise, marijuana and narcotics violations.

Police said McKinley rented a warehouse where marijuana shipments from Mexico were stored. The Cardinals terminated his contract shortly after the arrest.

An initial pretrial conference was set for Aug. 27 in Maricopa County Superior Court.