Does "involed" mean they are becoming voles? For once in my life, I agree with Viceduke of SiamFisher. This is not a big deal. I'm confident NBA refs occasionally play slots, poker, or black jack. To me as a fan? Meh.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/17/sports/REFS.php NBA NBA: Gambling inquiry switches to other referees By Duff Wilson Published: August 17, 2007 The federal investigation into NBA gambling is generating information about other referees that could lead to disciplinary action short of criminal charges, authorities and lawyers involved with the case said. Although the FBI investigation continues, three people briefed on the case who spoke on the condition of anonymity say it is focused on professional gamblers and has not uncovered any accusations of criminal wrongdoing by other referees or National Basketball Association insiders. The league could discipline referees for gambling in violation of league policy, but not the more serious charge of gambling on games or providing inside information to gamblers, as the former referee Tim Donaghy did, the sources said. Donaghy pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felonies related to his gambling. Mark Broussard, a spokesman for the NBA, declined to comment beyond an earlier statement saying that the Donaghy case "was an isolated incident." "We don't have any information suggesting that any other NBA referee was involved in this matter or that the government believes any other referee was involved in this matter," Broussard said. Federal authorities briefed NBA officials June 20. Donaghy resigned July 9. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information across state lines - not sports bribery, a charge that would require proof he changed the outcome of a game. He faces up to 25 years in prison in a sentencing set for Nov. 9. Donaghy was expected to enter a cooperation agreement with the government, agreeing to tell all he knows about possibly illegal activity, according to an affidavit in support of arrest warrants for two gamblers. Donaghy's lawyer, John Lauro, declined to comment Thursday. Jack McMahon, a defense lawyer for James Battista, a professional gambler who is suspected of obtaining tips from Donaghy, said it appeared that Donaghy had not implicated other referees in criminal conduct but that authorities were still looking at gambling at other levels. "Who knows where that could lead?" McMahon said. McMahon said his client was not cooperating with the government, would plead not guilty when indicted - expected within the next 30 days - and would ask for a trial. If Donaghy were to testify against Battista, McMahon said, he would argue that Donaghy was the worst offender in the group while Battista was the least involved. "It's like the shooter testifying against the getaway driver," McMahon said. William K. Rashbaum contributed reporting.
I don't see why people think this can only be limited to the NBA. If it can be an NBA ref it can be any pro ref or any player.
i certainly don't think it has to be limited to the NBA. but the NBA is the game I feel is most influenced by the officials.
The main issue is still this - NBA related gambling or not, if other refs did gamble, even on other things, it's against their CBA... and they will be fined at least. But hey, I'm late to the party again anyway.
It's weird to me that people really think this can ruin the NBA. How big is pro-wrestling again? I know that we diehard fans are sickened by the thought of refs being on the take, but I bet your average bandwagon fan that jumps on during the playoffs or just goes to games to entertain clients could really give a damn less.
Can you say MORON? This has nothing to do with Stern being the Commish. Plus the other info. is most likely about casino gambling which affects the fans absolutely none. So sit down, shut up, and do not make inappropriate comments when there is clearly no way of knowing what will happen. But I will bet you the world that Stern will not resign because of these possible allegations.
Well played senor alopecia. Remind me to put you back on the mailing list for my annual Agouti Roast.
MORON. This has a lot to do with Stern. Search youtube sometime, and you will find LOTS of badly officiated games and shady calls. A responsible commish would have done something about this a long time ago. As it is, the last two championships, among others are tainted.
Ever hear the quote, "The Buck Stops Here"? Well the buck stops at the Commish's office. It's like heads will roll and there's nothing Stern can do about it. Maybe he can save his job by scapegoating someone else inside the NBA offices but this is like any corporation. The guy at the top usually has to take a powder in the midst of a major scandal. Whether or not he had anything to do with it or not.
Don't know, but you can have, say, 10 games during a busy night in the season. You'd need at *least* 30 working that night. So there must be 50 or more, trained and working the season, no?
this isn't anything different from other jobs. It's like insider trading, except donaghy got caught when he did it.
I thought this has already been said over and over it was an isolated incident on various news channels. I'm sure sports writers would like someone else to be involved so they can keep writing stories. When it all finally blows over, i doubt the NBA will lose 1 single fan. David Stern is going nowhere, IMO.
In some way, I do actually hope there are enough involved to warrants heads rolling. Maybe not Stern himself, but at least get close enough. Because the NBA does need to get some better f**king refs. These guys are arrogant, not accountable for really anything, way too subjective, and irritate the hell out me in general.
QUESTION: For those would think Stern's head should role. . . What should he *have* done? While ya'll pissed cause he dogged you boy JVG - admitting that Yao is reffed different or allowing it to seem that way would have cause all this distrust a few years earlier and no REAL proof to back it up. Then If your think Tim Duncan Cries now .. or Player X . . that would have intensified into a SNOWBALL of whining players. . which everyone is b*tching about already. Or is whining something we only want coaches to do . . cause even that would have intensify . . every coach defending HIS GUY QUESTION II: What are you solutions? Honestly Since Reffing in the NBA is a full time gig I simply say - YO REF . .you got a game tomorrow. We will pick you up tonite and give you your ticket in the car . . . and fly you to the city of choice. You won't know what game you reffing til then. of course they could tell their wives where they are going to be .. and if the wife is in on the gambling she could call the mobsters and tell them were they can lay their bets But Obviously Refs need a Chaperone as much as the players someone hired by the league to get them to the games unhamper by degerenate evil vile should be dead mobsters. Someoen to pick them up at their homes Escort them to their game and maybe even take the second bed in the hotel room for 75~100 K a year. . . I'd do it and it ain't a drop in the NBA bucket Rocket River
