Ex-Denver Bronco running back Travis Henry will stay in federal custody pending sentencing on cocaine trafficking charges, a federal judge ruled this afternoon.

Henry, 30, admitted to Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull that he violated conditions of his release by drinking.

Wearing a blue jail uniform and in handcuffs and shackles, Henry responded "yes, sir" to the judge's questions.

Cebull had allowed Henry to remain free after he pleaded guilty because Henry had civil child-support cases pending against him in Florida courts.

Cebull also had granted a defense request to allow Henry to live in Florida because he had sold his Colorado home. Originally from Frostproof, Fla., Henry had been living in Auburndale, Fla., when he was arrested last month on release violations.

The offense requires mandatory detention after conviction unless the defendant can prove exceptional circum-stances.

Cebull said the exceptional circumstances no longer existed and ordered Henry remanded to custody.

The hearing was over in a matter of minutes and the speedy conclusion seemed to catch Henry's attorney, Harvey A. Steinberg, by surprise.

"Can I be heard?" Steinberg asked.

Cebull asked if it was to try to change his mind.

"Yes," Steinberg replied.

"Not worth it," Cebull said.

Henry's release conditions included a ban on drinking alcohol. A petition to revoke Henry's release said Henry ad-mitted to his probation officer he drank alcohol when an earlier requirement for electronic monitoring was lifted and when he sold his Colorado house and bought his Florida house.

Henry also drank alcohol the night before he pleaded guilty because he believed he was going to jail the next day, the petition said. Cebull had ordered Henry to be tested immediately after he pleaded guilty and he tested positive for alcohol.

When his probation officer asked how often he'd been drinking, Henry was "vague" and answered "not that much," the petition said.

Henry pleaded guilty April 16 to a conspiracy that brought cocaine from Denver to Billings for distribution. He admitted supplying drugs to Billings customers for about two years until September 2008.

Henry is to be sentenced July 15. He faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison and a maximum $4 million fine.

Henry had signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos before the 2007 season. But Henry had injuries during training camp and was cut a year ago. Henry, who has nine children by nine women, also has been dealing with child-support matters and told the New York Times in March that he was virtually broke.