Webber Fined $560, Avoids Jail

Sacramento Kings forward Chris Webber avoided a jail sentence when he was cleared today of the most serious charges in connection with a traffic stop.

A Prince George's County circuit court jury found Webber innocent of possession of marijuana, driving under the influence of the drug, resisting arrest and second-degree assault.

But he was convicted of failure to display a driver's license on demand, failure to display a car registration on demand and willful disobedience of a police officer. Webber was fined $560 for the traffic violations.

"I apologize for ever bringing this matter into court," said Webber. "I apologize for any mistakes and misjudgments on my part."

In closing arguments, prosecutor Shaem Spencer had said Webber, who formerly played for Washington, did not respect a police officer's request during the Jan. 20 traffic stop.

"It escalated because this defendant would not obey, would not get out of the car," he said.

Defense lawyer Steven Levy countered that Webber overslept and was in a hurry to get to practice at the time. The lawyer added that it "flies it the face of common sense" that his client knew drugs were in his car.

The arrest was one of several off-court matters that prompted the Wizards to trade Webber to the Kings in May. Among his other lowlights this year: an accusation in April for sexual assault that was later dropped, a $500 fine paid in August when marijuana was found in his carry-on bag at an airport in Puerto Rico, and the loss of his sponsorship deal with Fila for violating a conduct clause.

Webber's lawyers had turned down a plea bargain agreement that also would have avoided jail time in the current case. Prosecutors said they would have asked for a jail sentence if Webber was convicted of the more serious charges.

On the stand, Webber essentially admitted to the lesser charges - failing to produce a license or registration -- but emphatically denied the more serious allegations, testifying that he had not used marijuana befoe the traffic stop and that he did not smack the arresting officer on the hand.

"I had to go to work. It's not the time or place," Webber said when he was asked if he used drugs that day. "Not that any time is the time or place."

Webber raised his voice passionately when describing the moment he was hit by pepper spray while sitting in the driver's seat of his sports utility vehicle.

Webber, who said he was talking to his lawyer on a cellular telephone at the time, testified he was sprayed three or four times flush in the face. Officer Raymond Kane testified he sprayed Webber twice, with only one direct hit to the front of the face, in a struggle that ensued because Webber would not get out of the Lincoln Navigator.

"It was not one time! It was not one and a half times!" Webber said. "I remember screaming to my lawyer, `He's Macing me!'"

Webber was more composed, and even paused for a beat or two, when asked if he hit Kane on the hand.

"No," Webber said. "The last thing I want to do is be in a position like this. So, no."

Earlier, Kane testified he was struck by Webber while trying to open the door to Webber's vehicle. A second witness, a detective backing up Kane at the traffic stop, said he witnessed Webber assaulting Kane.

As for the marijuana found in the Navigator, the defense implied the drugs were left there by one of Webber's friends. Webber said he loaned the vehicle to friends from time to time, and he didn't bother to check its contents before leaving his house that morning.

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