Sharper to appear twice in New Orleans court

NEW ORLEANS — An April 7 court date has been set in a Louisiana state court for Darren Sharper, the former Green Bay Packers star who has entered pleas in four states where he is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting women.

So far, Sharper has pleaded guilty to charges in Las Vegas and Arizona, and no-contest in Los Angeles.

The April 7 appearance in New Orleans criminal district court will follow an April 6 date in federal court, also in New Orleans.

Sharper, 39, who has been jailed for more than a year, is expected to serve another nine years in prison as a result of the multi-jurisdiction plea deal.

Sharper retired in 2011 after a 14-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl victory with the New Orleans Saints. He started his career with the Packers in 1997 and played in Green Bay through the 2004 season.