Former Auburn basketball player Kyievarez "Varez" Ward was arraigned Thursday in Montgomery on accusations of taking part in a scheme to fix a game against Arkansas on Jan. 25, 2012.
Ward, who was released on bond Tuesday, entered a not guilty plea on federal charges of conspiracy to defraud and sports bribery. He faces up to five years in prison on each of the two counts.
Judge Wallace Capel, Jr. set Ward's trial date for July 22.
Ward is represented by Birmingham attorneys Everett Wess, Reginald McDaniel and Robert Beeman.
Wess, who formerly represented Harvey Updyke, said the three lawyers picked up Ward's case on Tuesday and has not yet spoken to anyone at Auburn.
"We're trying to learn more about these games ourselves and what the prosecutors have that might prove he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt," Wess said.
Ward did not speak in court or to reporters on Thursday.
McDaniel says Ward has been in Montgomery since he left Auburn and is currently looking at other schools where he can further his education.
The 24-year-old Montgomery native was suspended by head coach Tony Barbee on Feb. 25, 2012 after allegations of point-shaving arose. While teammate and current Auburn player Chris Denson was cleared of any wrongdoing, Ward remained suspended for the rest of the season and later left the school.
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