Sacramento’s Webber suspended eight games

The punishment partially stems from an incident that saw Webber lie to a federal grand jury about his relationship to Ed Martin, a former basketball booster. Webber was evasive about receiving money from Martin while at the University of Michigan. Martin claimed that he loaned Webber $616,000.

That incident earned Webber three games of the eight-game suspension, while the other five games were levied for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti- Drug Program.

The five-time All-Star’s suspension begins with the Kings’ Tuesday night matchup against the Boston Celtics at ARCO Arena.

Webber had been sidelined all season while recovering from knee surgery. Last season, Webber averaged 23 points and 10.5 rebounds. He suffered the knee injury during the Western Conference semifinals.

In July, Webber pleaded guilty to one count of criminal contempt in the Martin matter. He was given community service and a deferred sentence.

Sacramento has not missed a beat in Webber’s absence. The Kings currently stand atop of the Pacific Division with a 37-13 record, also posting the league’s best record at home (23-4) in the first half of the season.