Webber pleads guilty to avoid jail sentence

DETROIT -- On the eve of his federal perjury trial, Sacramento Kings forward Chris Webber pleaded guilty Monday to a lesser charge of criminal contempt in a deal that is expected to allow him to avoid prison time.

Webber had been charged with lying to a grand jury about money authorities say he received from former Michigan basketball booster Ed Martin. He could have faced up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

During Monday's hearing, the former Michigan player admitted that in 1994 he gave Martin about $38,000 in cash as repayment for past expenditures the former booster made on his behalf.

"I'm relieved that it is in the process of being over," Webber said after the hearing.

In the agreement with prosecutors, Webber will face a fine. U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds will decide whether the criminal contempt charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. Sentencing was set for Sept. 16.

A perjury charge against the player's father, Mayce Webber Jr., is expected to be dropped today, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Convertino said. The father's attorney declined to comment.

Jury selection in Chris Webber's trial had been scheduled to begin today.

Martin, who died Feb. 14 at age 69, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to launder money. He admitted he took gambling money, combined it with other funds and lent it to several players while they were in school.