FBI arrests NBA ref for fixing games

[JBC77]

Ref in the NBA, last name Donaghy, has been arrested by the FBI for fixing games. They say he has a gambling problem, the mob was in contact with him in the warrant.

It's just breaking...caught it on ESPN, they didn't have much in terms of detailed info.

[WileOut]

not a second late.

[bigboydan]

All I can say about this is that it sure does explain a lot of strange games last year.

[JBC77]

It was funny, they talked to S.Nash about it. He asked if this guy was present for the Spurs/Suns series. The reporters broke out in laughter.

[isetcap]

All I can say about this is that it sure does explain a lot of strange games last year.

Well, actually, it couldn't possibly explain even 10% of the strange games last year. NBA officiating has more problems with simply being bad than being crooked. As far as this clown goes, I'd imagine there's very little visual on-court evidence of his fixes. As an official all you really need to do is make sure the game is called "close" and you provide an enormous edge for totals bettors. This investigation wasn't initiated based on some FBI agents sitting around watching some games and noticing something suspicious.

[Dhuepaxuz]

Many more too follow. Late second foul or uncalled fouls, it's always a strange situation. Makes many wonder.

[experte007]

Sports betting is going down a really steep road.

[WileOut]

Sports betting is going down a really steep road.

Why do you say that

[Bill Dozer]

Have they posted a list of games he worked? The first thing I thought of was the Lakers/Kings 7 game series.

[experte007]

Why do you say that

Because of fixed matches. You have that in Soccer, Tennis and obviously in the NBA as well. Also the obscurities about whether it is legal or not, which countries are allowed to gamble and which aren't.

Some countries in Europe allow betting some ban it like Turkey and France. Stuff like that is unhealthy in my opinion. Scam books like bwin and broke books like Pointbet aren't helping much either. The demise of Neteller, the limits and weaknesses of moneybookers, etc.

What sense does it make to bet on an event, to put thought into how a matchup could evolve when the result has long been decided?

[Willie Bee]

Have they posted a list of games he worked?

Found him listed in five games from the most recent playoffs:

Apr 23, Orlando @ Detroit, Game 2, Pistons 98-90

Apr 27, Dallas @ Golden St, Game 3, Warriors 109-91

Apr 29, Phoenix @ LA Lakers, Game 4, Suns 113-100

May 4, Toronto @ New Jersey, Game 6, Nets 98-97

May 12, Phoenix @ San Antonio, Game 3, Spurs 108-101


Also read he was one of the refs a couple years back at Auburn Hills in that infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl.

[pags11]

this is just another reason why I'll never bet NBA games again...

[ronniejamedio]

fixed games

I read somewhere that he called a tech on riley and a bench coach, as well as two defensive 3 second calls on the heat in the 4th quarter vs. the knicks. the spread was 4 and the knicks won by 6. close game, and def one fa sho where he influenced the outcome. the guy was pretty young, so i wonder how many vet refs know him personally. fixing I am sure happens more than we think. an italian team, AC Milan was busted for fixing games. recently as well. we just have to hope we are on the winning side of one

[increasedodds]

2 or 3 years ago, I was at a Heat game. Line was Miami -7 or -8. Heat were up 9. Shaq got called for goaltending a last second 3/4 court shot that was a good 5 feet offline of the hoop.... Makes me wonder. I wonder who the refs were...

Sean

[Jay Edgar]

Have they posted a list of games he worked? The first thing I thought of was the Lakers/Kings 7 game series.

"They" haven't, but your own site contains the only attempt at making a comprehensive list of all Donaghy games over the last few years.

I know, because I did it myself --using nothing more than Google and nba.com -- and I posted it in a thread here late Friday afternoon.

And I'm nobody.

But apparently I've done more legwork than 99.99% of the people posting and speculating, including the supposed professionals.