20-year prison term for ex-ASU RB convicted of 2nd-degree murder

PHOENIX (AP) -Former Arizona State running back Loren Wade, convicted of second-degree murder in the 2005 slaying of another ex-Sun Devils football player, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday.

The 23-year-old Wade faced 10 to 22 years under sentencing guidelines after being convicted June 7 by a Maricopa County Superior Court jury.

He was charged in the death of Brandon Falkner, who was shot outside a nightclub in suburban Scottsdale, Ariz., on March 26, 2005.

Prosecutors claimed Falkner was shot because Wade saw him talking to his girlfriend.

The 25-year-old Falkner was a defensive back for the Sun Devils from 1999-2001.

Wade, a tailback from Los Angeles, set a school freshman rushing record in 2003 but played only three games in 2004 before he was suspended for the season for receiving improper benefits involving an overdue utility bill.

He had returned to the team and was participating in spring practice at the time of the shooting.