FBI probing NBA referee for betting
A point-shaving scandal is an enormous problem in any sport. This one, which might involve an NBA referee, has the potential to permanently scar the league.
The NBA acknowledged Friday the FBI is investigating Tim Donaghy for betting on games, including ones in which he officiated.
"It's a shame," the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant said. "It's just unfortunate. ... Like I said, it's a very serious issue."
According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered thousands of dollars over the past two seasons.
The referee had a gambling problem and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance, said the official, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Gambling long has been a problem in sports, and leagues have made a point of educating players of the potential pitfalls. The NBA, for example, discusses gambling at rookie orientation, even bringing in former mobster Michael Franceze to speak.
And the NBA dealt with negative stories about its officials earlier this year when an academic study detailed a bias by referees against players of the opposite color. The league requires its officials to file reports and defend or discuss every questionable call they make in a game.
Donaghy, who reportedly has resigned, was an NBA official for 13 years. He officiated 68 games in the 2005-06 season and 63 games in 2006-07, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He also worked 20 playoff games, including five last season — Pistons-Magic on April 23; Warriors-Mavericks on April 27; Suns-Lakers on April 29; Nets-Raptors on May 4; and Spurs-Suns on May 12.
Those studying Donaghy's games might have noticed some trends.
When the home team was favored by 0-4Z\x points, it went 5-12 against the spread in games officiated by Donaghy this season, according to Covers.com, a Web site that tracks referee trends. Home underdogs were 1-7 against the spread when it was 5-9.5 points.
Donaghy was part of a crew working the Heat-Knicks game in New York in February when the Knicks shot 39 free throws to the Heat's eight, technical fouls were called on Heat coach Pat Riley and assistant Ron Rothstein, and the Knicks won by six. New York was favored by 4Z\x.
Defense attorney John Lauro confirmed Donaghy is under investigation, but refused to comment on the allegations or the case.
"They are serious allegations," the leader of the referees' union, Lamell McMorris told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "It's an ongoing federal investigation. And we don't really have much more to say about it, and neither do the referees."
In Bradenton, Fla., a woman came to the door of the home where Donaghy lives and shouted through the door: "We have no comment."
In a statement, commissioner David Stern said the FBI is investigating allegations a "single" referee bet on basketball. But the law enforcement official said other arrests are expected.
More in Professional
