Webber's Case Goes To Trial

A jury on Monday heard a judge outline charges against Sacramento Kings forward Chris Webber of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, marijuana possession and several other traffic-related offenses stemming from an arrest in January.

Seeking to negate Webber's celebrity status, prosecutor Shaem Spencer appealed to the jury that professional athletes are not above the law.

The jury will begin hearing evidence Tuesday. The trial is expected to last two or three days.

Webber, who then played for the Wizards, was arrested in his sports utility vehicle after being stopped for speeding near the Washington beltway while on the way to a practice Jan. 20.

Police say when webber refused to get out of his car after failing to produce a license or registration, he struck the officer on the hand, resisted arrest and was sprayed with pepper spray. The vehicle was impounded and police say they found the stub of a marijuana cigarette and other traces of marijuana inside.

In August, Webber paid a fine after admitting possession of marijuana found in a bag at an airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Later that month, Fila canceled its multimillion-dollar endorsement contract with Webber, saying he had violated a good-conduct clause.

After Webber failed to lead Washington to the playoffs in the spring, the Wizards cited his off-the-court problems as one of the main reasons for trading him to Sacramento in May.

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