Most every sports fan knows about the story of Tim Donaghy by now. A 13-year referee for the NBA, Donaghy was arrested by the FBI convicted in court for gambling on NBA games. That’s the simple story. But the reality, and repercussions, of Donaghy’s tale runs much deeper.
Donaghy began gambling on NBA games while employed as a referee in 2003. Between that time and the end of the 2006-07 season, Donaghy and his so called "mob" bet on approximately 40 games a season with nearly 80% success rate. He originally worked with Jack Concannon, who was never charged or arrested for his relations with Donaghy. In 2006 Donaghy hooked up with two friends James Battista and Thomas Martino, and began gambling through them. It was Battista and Martino who were convicted and sentenced along with Donaghy.
What is interesting is that for a supposedly “addicted gambler” Donaghy did not place a single bet himself. He simply provided information to Concannon and later Battista and Martino for which he got a reimbursement on winning wagers which was reportedly $2000 per game. If Donaghy’s info did not lead to a winning bet, he did not suffer any consequences.
The inside information Donaghy provided ranging from who the referees were in certain games, players conditions, came on both games in which he was and was not reffing. Even in games that Donaghy was a part of, he claimed that he did not influence any of the games in which a bet was wagered. Whether you want to believe that or not is up to you.
In 2007 Donaghy officiated a western conference final game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. During the series there was a fight that had broken out in game 5. 5 Suns players were suspended compared to 1 Spur. Both teams were heavily envolved in this fight. He tossed the best player at that time for the Suns Amare Stoudemire. San Antonio went on to win this game and this series.
This is a great personality profile! It's very interesting to read.
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