Dick Bavetta is being investigated ------------------------------------------------------------------- FBI investigating NBA ref Bavetta Tim Donaghy isn't the only bad boy in the world of referees, it appears. The FBI has apparently been asking around about Dick Bavetta, who has officiated over more NBA games than anyone else in history. A former NBA ref, Hue Hollins, said federal agents tracked him down last year to talk about how Bavetta handled games. By the way, Bavetta was the ref of the now infamous Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals, which Donaghy claims was mishandled on purpose. (New York Times) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This could get serious. DD
I really hope after Bavetta's investigation they start a thorough investigation on Stern. The guy needs to be held accountable for ruining the true sport of competition.
I agree with you DD. I always had a healthy dose of skepticism towards all the conspiracy theories, but now, I'm starting to wonder a bit. Where's there's smoke, there is usually fire. It sounds like there are more than a few refs involved in this mess, and once they start turning on each other, it could ugly fast. Unless the NBA sues Donaghy for slander, it makes them guilty (to what extent I don't know) in my book. Of course, the NBA doesn't sue unless they know their case is dirt-free. Dongahy's side can subpoena and question any ref they believe helped throw games, and if those refs have anything to hide, Stern and Company would be fools to chance them being compelled to testify. Refs testifying under oath that they did kinda help a team out in the playoffs from some prodding by the league would a PR disaster. Stern would go down for that.
Not surprising, an infallible CF.net poster predicted almost one year ago when this whole NBA referee scandal started to emerge that Dick Bavetta would be among the implicated: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?p=3040895&highlight=Bavetta#post3040895
I would guess that Bavetta has nothing to do with gambling. I assume he does what the league tells him. If true.
The sharks are circling. The refs are gonna start throwing each other under the bus. More plea bargain deals will be coming.
yea most likely. that's what i'm thinking. i think bavetta, shouldn't tell on other refs but the actual "supervisor" that's telling them what to do.
HAha, you cheat, you get caught. Nice reference, ShawShank Redemption should have won all the awards if it wasnt for Forrest Gump that year
Don't get too excited. The FBI was investigating him in 2007. Maybe they still are and maybe something will come of it. But, they may have wrapped all that up months ago and will bring nothing up. If that's the case, the FBI might issue a statement to clear his name, I suppose.
I doubt the refs were all cheating, but I do think the NBA listened to Mark Cuban and told them to watch out for Yao's illegal screens. When they should have told the refs to watch out for ALL illegal screens and alerted both teams they were going to do it. DD
i hope this gets worse for the nba. this is the only way we have any hope of seeing any sort of fair officiating. i have no idea how dick bavetta can keep up in this high paced game. he is like 92.
