San Diego

A former center on San Diego State University’s basketball team pleaded guilty Wednesday to possessing rock cocaine for sale.

Gerald Murray, 23, pleaded guilty just as his preliminary hearing was to start.

Because Murray is to be sentenced June 8 on another cocaine charge, San Diego Municipal Judge Linda Quinn also set sentencing for that date.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Doug Gregg said Murray faces a maximum six-year, four-month term in state prison in both cases. He could also be fined $40,000.

Once a promising star on the college basketball team, Murray’s athletic career hit the skids when his drug-related arrest last September prompted his suspension from the team. Charges were later dropped in that case for lack of evidence, and Murray was reinstated on the basketball team. However, Murray was arrested again the following month before he ever had a chance to play. He was charged with selling rock cocaine to an undercover San Diego police officer and was kicked off the team.

Murray pleaded guilty April 13 to selling cocaine. Then, while out on $10,000 bail awaiting sentencing, was arrested again May 13 on a nearly identical charge. In the most recent case, police acted on a tip from a housekeeper in a downtown hotel who said there were drugs in Murray’s rented room. Police found 3 ounces of rock cocaine in the hotel room, estimated at a street value of $8,500, and Murray was again charged with possession of cocaine for sale.

Murray remains in county jail in lieu of $100,000 bail and will be sentenced on both cases next week.