NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- A ruling is expected soon from a state judge weighing whether the New Orleans district attorney should be barred from prosecuting the man charged in the shooting death of retired Saints defensive end Will Smith.
Cardell Hayes is charged with second-degree murder.
Defense attorney John Fuller says District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro has made baseless accusations against him and should be removed from the Hayes case.
Judge Camille Buras is expected to hear arguments and rule Friday.
Police have said Smith's death on April 9 followed a confrontation with Hayes after an automobile crash.