Wide receiver Cris Carter of the Philadelphia...

Wide receiver Cris Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles pleaded guilty in Chicago to charges of mail fraud and obstruction of justice after agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors investigating illegal payments by sports agents to college athletes.

Carter pleaded guilty to charges that he defrauded Ohio State by falsely certifying that he was eligible to compete on the football team and receive an athletic scholarship during the 1986 season. He also pleaded guilty to concealing from the FBI, federal prosecutors and a grand jury a $5,000 payment from agent Dave Lueddeke.

Carter, who could be made to refund about $4,500 he received from Ohio State in the form of the scholarship, was released on a personal recognizance bond. U.S. District Judge Brian Duff agreed to let him travel as necessary for Eagle games. Sentencing was tentatively set for March 27, when the trial of agents Norby Walters and Lloyd Bloom is expected to conclude.

The charges against Carter carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.