Murray Is Suspended From Team : SDSU’s Brandenburg Hopes Case Is Decided Before Practice Opens

Gerald Murray, the starting center on the San Diego State basketball team who was arrested on drug charges this week, has been indefinitely suspended from the team.

SDSU Coach Jim Brandenburg said he personally informed Murray of the suspension. He also said the suspension had little immediate effect because basketball practice does not begin until Oct. 15.

Until then, the team is limited to participation in a weight and conditioning program. Brandenburg said Murray would continue in that program.

“Really, it’s a moot point,” Brandenburg said. “We haven’t started practice. We just want to be prepared. We hope this is all decided long before then.”

Murray participated in a team run Thursday. He said the suspension was just until “all of this is cleared up.” He referred all other questions about his case to his attorney, Ronald M. Frant, of San Diego.

Frant said he would not comment on details about the case. He said he might have comment after he has time to examine the case further.

Murray was arrested Tuesday during a police raid of an off-campus apartment in East San Diego. He was charged along with two other people on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale. He is free on $3,000 bail.

Police said they confiscated from the apartment 3 1/2 ounces of rock cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4,200, a loaded .38-caliber revolver, $5,591 in cash and a working police scanner.

Also arrested were Natosha Plousha, 22, and a 17-year-old male.

The district attorney has not filed formal charges in the case. Arraignment for Murray is scheduled for Tuesday in San Diego Municipal Court.