Coach convicted on cocaine charge may face removal from Hall of Fame

El Paso Athletic and Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Beltran was sentenced to five years probation Thursday.

A jury convicted the 65-year-old coach of cocaine possession Wednesday evening, stemming from his arrest during a DEA drug sting back in 2012.

He also received a $1,000 fine, which he won’t have to pay unless he violates his probation, and 200 hours of community service.

The proud Beltran, who maintains he never bought or used cocaine, could now face removal from both Hall of Fames.

“The verdict, I’ll accept it, but I don’t agree with it,” Beltran told ABC-7 after his sentencing.

The former Minor League and Mexican League player, who coached at Ysleta, Parkland, Del Valle, Horizon and Cathedral, appeared to have a hard time accepting that he had been found guilty of cocaine possession.

Asked if he has or had a drug problem, Beltran replied: “No, I don’t have no problem and they’ll find that out.”

Longtime friend and attorney Daniel Mena teared-up while talking about Beltran’s family, friends and former players.

“It’s been hard on him and his family, really, really hard,” Mena said. “I think he’s sorry and I think he knows he disappointed them. They know he’s a human being and they still love him so that’s good.”

Beltran’s troubles may not be over. The El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame, which removed tennis coach Gene Stogner for a felony conviction, could also vote to remove Beltran.

Current El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame President Manny Ontiveros told ABC-7: “That’s something that the members are going to have to look at. Our first meeting of the year is next week. I don’t know if we’ll do that, but it could be brought up.”

Beltran apologized to his friends and family.

“I apologize for putting them and my family through this,” Beltran said. “I’m still the same person. I don’t surrender. I don’t give up.”

ABC-7 could not reach the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame comment. Mena told ABC-7 Beltran was offered to plead guilty to a misdemeanor, but he never considered it, vowing to fight to try and clear his name.