9/9/2002
SOUTHFIELD, Michigan (Ticker) -- Sacramento Kings star Chris Webber reportedly has been indicted on charges that he lied to a grand jury about his dealings with a former basketball booster at the University of Michigan.
WWJ Radio in Michigan, citing sources in the Detroit office of the FBI, reported that Webber has been charged with making false statements to a grand jury and with obstructing justice.
The radio station also reported that Webber's father, Mace, and an unidentified aunt were charged with obstruction of justice.
If convicted, Webber could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the charge of making false statements.
WWJ reported that the Federal District Court in Detroit will contact Webber and arrange a court appearance.
The booster, Ed Martin, pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. The 68-year-old Martin admitted that he took gambling money and loaned it to at least four Michigan basketball players while they were amateurs.
Martin said that he paid $280,000 to Webber and also gave money to Robert Traylor, Maurice Taylor and Louis Bullock.
The 29-year-old Webber played two seasons ar Michigan and led the Wolverines to championship game appearances in 1992 and 1993. He was the first pick of the 1993 NBA draft.
Webber has spent the last four seasons in Sacramento after stints in Washington and Golden State.
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The heat is on!