Charge Against Patterson Dropped in Salt Lake City

Martel Black, a former Sweetwater High School running back, appeared before a federal magistrate in Salt Lake City on Tuesday on charges that he conspired to distribute cocaine, but a similar charge against former Lincoln High player Charles Patterson was dropped because of lack of evidence.

Magistrate Ronald Boyce ordered Black, 19, of National City, and Utah student Samuel A. Simmons, 18, of Los Angeles, detained at a federal halfway house, allowing them both to be released for school and work, if they obtain jobs.

Black and Patterson are members of the Utah football team. Another player, sophomore wide receiver Darren Hughes, 21, of Lynwood, appeared with Black Tuesday.

Black and Simmons were arrested July 12 during a raid on an apartment rented by Black, prosecutors said. A nine-count complaint filed against Black, Simmons and Hughes said the bust netted 2.2 pounds of cocaine.

In addition to conspiracy, the complaint charges Black with six counts of distribution or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and a single count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The complaint alleges that a loaded 12-gauge shotgun was found in the immediate vicinity where Simmons was arrested, and two loaded pistols were allegedly found in Black’s bedroom.

“Without a doubt, he will not be back on the football team,” Utah Coach Jim Fassel said of Black, the team’s leading 1987 rusher, who had quit the team in the spring.

Simmons and Hughes also are charged with three counts of distribution.

SURFING

The $45,000 Stubbies Pro International Surfing began its six-day competition at the Oceanside pier with 32 qualifying heats for local and international male surfers.

The eighth stop on the Assn. of Surfing Professionals tour (the first in California), features more than 200 of the world’s finest men’s and women’s surfers from five continents, including world champions Damien Hardman (Australia) and Wendy Botha (South Africa).

Men’s and women’s qualifying heats continue today from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BASEBALL

The San Diego Stars, a 12-year-old baseball team that has been invited to play in a tournament in Beijing, China, beginning Aug. 12, will play host to a six-team invitational all-star tournament for Southern California teams Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the La Jolla YMCA.

Play begins at noon Friday, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The tournament championship is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday.

BASKETBALL

El Capitan surmounted a six-point deficit in the final minute and defeated Mt. Miguel, 51-50, to highlight the first round of the single-elimination Police Athletic League high school summer playoffs at Balboa Municipal Gymnasium.