Tim Donaghy
Former NBA referee who worked 13 seasons
- Entries
- 9
- On the record
- 6
- Stories
- 1
- Latest entry
- Oct 28, 2009
The record
Tim Donaghy is a former NBA referee whose file centers on a 2007 federal case over his betting on games. ESPN reported in July 2007 that authorities were examining whether he bet on games, including ones he officiated, during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, when he worked 68 and 63 regular-season games. In August 2007 he pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and to transmitting betting information through interstate commerce.
U.S. District Judge Carol Amon sentenced him in July 2008 to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release, calling him more culpable than his co-defendants. Restitution was set at $217,266, owed jointly with professional gambler James Battista and middleman Thomas Martino, against the nearly $1.4 million the NBA had sought. Donaghy told the court he had brought shame on himself, his family and the profession.
His later accusations against the league were denied. A June 2008 letter filed by his lawyer claimed two referees had steered a 2002 playoff game, which Commissioner David Stern called the desperate act of a convicted felon. In 2009 his publisher cancelled his book, citing concerns over potential liability; Stern called its claims of league manipulation baseless, and the NBA denied ever threatening to sue.
Roles and honours on the record
Every entry, newest first
- Ruled
Sentenced by Judge Carol Amon to two concurrent 15-month prison terms, per ESPN. Biggest sports betting scandals ranked: Pete Rose, Black Sox
- Admitted
Pleaded guilty to two federal felony counts tied to wagering on games he officiated, per CNN. Biggest sports betting scandals ranked: Pete Rose, Black Sox
Stories in this file
The record, entry by entry
- 2007-07-20 Reported ESPN reported that authorities were examining whether he bet on NBA games, including games he officiated, and made calls to affect point spreads; Commissioner David Stern said no effort was being spared to assist the investigation. ESPN report
- 2007-08-15 Admitted He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce, and was released on a $250,000 bond; his lawyer said he deeply regretted his involvement. ESPN report
- 2007-10-25 Reported Stern announced new rules for referees, including game assignments released the morning of each game and fuller background checks, and said the league did not yet know whether Donaghy had affected the outcomes of games he bet on. ESPN report
- 2008-06-10 Filed A letter from his lawyer filed in federal court alleged that two referees favored one team in a 2002 playoff game to extend the series; Stern called it "the desperate act of a convicted felon." ESPN report
- 2008-07-29 Ruled Judge Carol Amon sentenced him to two concurrent 15-month terms and three years of supervised release, and set restitution of $217,266 to be paid jointly by the three defendants. ESPN report
- 2008-07-29 Ruled His co-defendants were also sentenced: gambler James Battista to 15 months and middleman Thomas Martino to a year and one day. ESPN report
- 2009-10-28 Reported Triumph Books and parent Random House cancelled his book on the NBA, citing concerns over potential liability; the NBA denied ever threatening a lawsuit, and Stern had called Donaghy's manipulation claims baseless. ESPN report