Friday, July 20, 2007

NBA ref reportedly bet on games he worked


The Phanatic Magazine

According to an Associated Press report, NBA referee Tim Donaghy is being investigated by the FBI for placing bets on games that he was working over the past two seasons.

The story goes on to say that Donaghy has potential ties with the mafia, and is being investigated for possibly making calls that affected the outcome of games.

The NBA released the following statement:

"We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."

Later Friday afternoon, various media outlets pegged the referee in question was veteran Tim Donaghy, a Cardinal O'Hara and Villanova graduate.

NBA commissioner David Stern then responded with the following statement:

"As we previously stated, we have been cooperating with the FBI in their investigation of allegations that a single NBA referee bet on NBA games that he officiated. As part of that cooperation, we were asked by the Government not to comment about the investigation, but in light of the widespread press coverage and the naming of the referee, Tim Donaghy, we consider it appropriate to make a fuller statement.

"We would like to assure our fans that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports, and to take the necessary steps to protect against this ever happening again. We will have more to say at a press conference that will be scheduled for next week."

No comments: