Former professional football player Warren McVea was...

Former professional football player Warren McVea was sentenced in Houston to eight years’ probation and a $4,000 fine for possessing cocaine.

McVea, 40, was sentenced Friday by State District Judge Carl Walker Jr. after he pleaded guilty to the charge. He also got a lecture from Walker for not being a better role model.

The judge told McVea he had watched him play at Houston. He said professional athletes serve as role models for youngsters.

“You are getting a new chance to fulfill your (obligation as) role model and I wish you luck,” Walker said.

McVea was arrested Dec. 18 in the bathroom of a southwest Houston apartment as he and two companions were cooking cocaine to make “crack,” police said. He was charged with possessing a vial that contained cocaine residue.