Lewis says he knew in limo he would be central figure

Sunday, February 13th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Ray Lewis declared his innocence in a prison interview Sunday and said he knew, as his limousine sped from the scene of a double murder in Atlanta, that he would be the central figure in the case because of his status as an NFL player.

Lewis would not discuss the specifics of the case, but said he is innocent and has been falsely accused. The Baltimore Ravens linebacker said in a prison interview with WNUV-TV that he also feels God is placing obstacles in his way for a reason, the television station reported. The interview was not taped -- instead, the reporter related Lewis' comments. Lewis also said he is confident he will be released from prison following a scheduled bond hearing on Monday. If given a chance to speak to the court, Lewis said he hopes to reach out the victims' families and tell them he feels their loss. He hopes they will not judge him until all of the facts are known, the station reported.

The station also reported that suspect Joseph Sweeting of Miami is in Atlanta, where he is expected to surrender to authorities. Lewis was indicted on Friday for the stabbing deaths of two men at an Atlanta club following the Super Bowl. Lewis, a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, is being held without bail, pending the bond hearing. He is charged with the deaths of Richard Lollar, 24, and Jacinth Baker, 21.

Lewis' attorneys have maintained his innocence, saying he tried to break up the Jan. 31 fight. They said he was at least 60 feet away when Richard Lollar, 24, and Jacinth Baker, 21, both of Decatur, Ga., were stabbed and did not see the crime. Authorities have said Lewis drove away in a limousine and later was uncooperative with investigators, providing misleading statements.