DETROIT, Michigan, 16 July 2003 — On the eve of his perjury trial, National Basketball Association star Chris Webber pleaded guilty on Monday to a lesser charge of criminal contempt, and avoided a possible prison sentence.

Webber, Sacramento Kings forward, was indicted along with his father, Mayce Webber Jr., last year on charges of lying to a grand jury about money and gifts that Webber allegedly received while he played basketball for the University of Michigan.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which governs college sports, prohibits players from accepting money and gifts. Federal prosecutors say that charges against Webber’s father will likely be dismissed.

The perjury charges carried a maximum prison sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine.

The government said that Eddie Martin, a former University of Michigan booster who died in February, paid Webber $280,000 while he played basketball for Michigan, as well as gave him clothing, jewelry and other items.

But the government’s case fell apart last week when US District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds threw out key evidence, including handwritten notes found in Martin’s home that allegedly detailed payments to Webber.

Martin was a retired Ford Motor Co electrician, who ran an illegal lottery at Metro Detroit auto plants.

He admitted to laundering the lottery money by giving it to college ball players he expected would repay him when they made it to the NBA.

Webber, his father and aunt, Charlene Johnson, were initially indicted for obstructing justice for allegedly trying to hide money and gifts from Martin.

But federal prosecutors dropped the charges earlier this year after Martin died.

Webber told the judge today that he lied to the grand jury when he denied repaying Martin $38,200 in 1994 for loans Martin gave him.

The plea agreement allows him to avoid serving any time in prison. The judge is scheduled to decide on Sept. 16 whether Webber will be charged with a felony or misdemeanor and what fine he will pay.

Webber, who was on crutches due to a knee injury, said that he is “relieved” that the case is nearly over.