DENVER -- A trial for the suspect in the slaying of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams will be held after the NFL season to give defense attorneys time to interview Denver Broncos players who are witnesses in the case.

Denver District Judge Christina Habas made her ruling Friday. The defendant, Willie D. Clark, faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Williams on New Year's Day 2007.

Williams was shot after leaving a nightclub on Broadway where he was attending a New Year's Eve party and birthday party for Denver Nuggets player Kenyon Martin. Witnesses said a vehicle pulled up next to the limousine that Williams was in and sprayed the vehicle with bullets as it drove north along Speer Boulevard. Williams was hit in the throat and died almost instantly. Two other people in the limo were also injured in the shooting.

Police identified a vehicle belonging to Brian Hicks and said it was used in the shooting by Hicks and that Hicks and Williams are gang members.

Clark's trial had been set for Oct. 13 but is now scheduled for Feb. 22.

During the hearing, a handcuffed and shackled Clark told Habas that the media has vilified him during the three years since Williams' death and that he doubts he can get a fair trial.