Major Controversies Surrounding Chris Webber: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Chris Webber.

Chris Webber, nicknamed "C-Webb", is a former American professional basketball player who played 15 seasons in the NBA. Drafted first overall in 1993, he was a five-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team member, and NBA Rookie of the Year. Webber is most notably associated with his time on the Sacramento Kings, though he also played for the Golden State Warriors, Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1992: Forfeiture of Final Four Victory

Due to concerns about Chris Webber's amateur status, Michigan forfeited its 1992 Final Four victory over Cincinnati, as well as its runner-up status in the 1992 tournament.

April 5, 1993: Timeout Error in Championship Game

On April 5, 1993, during Michigan's second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship game, Chris Webber called a timeout when his team had none remaining, resulting in a technical foul that clinched the game for North Carolina.

1993: Forfeiture of 1992-1993 season

Due to concerns about Chris Webber's amateur status, Michigan forfeited the entire 1992–93 season and removed Final Four banners.

1994: Payment to Ed Martin

In 1994, Chris Webber admitted in a plea that he gave Ed Martin about $38,000 in cash as partial repayment for expenditures Martin made on his behalf.

1998: Arrest and charges for assault and drug-related offenses

In 1998, Chris Webber was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, driving under the influence of marijuana, and other traffic violations after being pulled over for speeding in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was later acquitted of the assault and drug-related charges but paid fines for lesser violations.

1998: Marijuana found, Fila drops Webber as endorser

Later in 1998, Chris Webber paid a $500 fine after U.S. Customs found marijuana in his bag while leaving Puerto Rico on a promotional tour for Fila sneakers. Subsequently, Fila dropped Webber as an endorser, and an arbitration panel awarded him $2.61 million for breach of contract.

2002: Charged for Lying to Grand Jury

In 2002, Chris Webber was charged for lying to a grand jury as part of an investigation of a numbers gambling operation and the University of Michigan basketball program, involving booster Ed Martin.

April 18, 2006: Fine for Absence from Final Home Game

On April 18, 2006, Chris Webber and Allen Iverson were fined for not attending the Philadelphia 76ers' final home game of the season, which was Fan Appreciation Night. Both were injured and not expected to play, and they later apologized for their absence.

2008: Controversy surrounding 2002 Western Conference Finals

In 2008, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy alleged in court papers that Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Kings and Lakers was fixed by the NBA. Commissioner David Stern denied these allegations. Lawrence Pedowitz led a review concluding the game was poorly officiated, but there was no concrete evidence it was fixed. The series had many controversial calls against the Kings, especially in game 6.

March 2011: The Fab Five Documentary Airs

In March 2011, ESPN Films aired a documentary called The Fab Five. Webber declined to participate in the documentary.

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2013: Ban from Michigan Program Ends

In 2013, Chris Webber's ban from any affiliation with the University of Michigan program ended, following his conviction of perjury related to a scandal involving payments from boosters.