LAWFUEL – The Legal Newswire – Bloomberg reports that a National Basketball Association referee is under investigation by the FBI for allegedly betting on games, the league and the head of the referees association said.
“We would like to assure our fans that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement that included the name of the referee, Tim Donaghy.
No telephone numbers were available for Donaghy in the town listed as his residence in the NBA officials media guide. Defense attorney, John Lauro confirmed to the Associated Press that Donaghy is under investigation. A message left on Lauro’s mobile telephone wasn’t immediately returned.
FBI spokesman Neil Donovan declined to comment. Stern said that the league will hold a press conference next week.
Donaghy, 40, has been an NBA referee for 13 seasons, according to the league.
The New York Post first reported today that a referee was working with organized crime to affect the outcome of games. The NBA said it was cooperating with the government and that it was asked not to comment on the investigation.
The FBI is set to arrest the referee, who allegedly wagered on games the past two seasons, along with others who profited from the scheme, according to the Post, citing people it didn’t name. He bet on games he officiated, the Post said.
