Commentary on allegations that former NBA referee Tim Donaghy bet on games and was involved with the mafia. Included are some articles that were written before the identity of the referee in question was released.
That an official was betting and/or shaving points is one thing. That an official was shaving points FOR THE MOB will RUIN the NBA…and should force David Stern to finally step down. … The NBA’s credibility is officially shot, especially during the seasons in question. I just pray that the ref under investigation is Bennett Salvatore…who oversaw that infamous Game 5 in the 2006 Finals between the Mavs and Heat, in which Dwyane “Breathe on me and it’s a foul” Wade got his phantom call in the final seconds.”
I’ll be interesting to see what names get brought up from the media, fans and those around the NBA. Obviously Joey Crawford’s name will come up since he’s had some previous issues with taxes.
Another name, and this would be a shocker, but what about Bob Delaney. Prior to working with the NBA, Delaney worked as an undercover cop inside of the New Jersey / New York mob scene. He certainly would have some connections .”
The real truth is that for the most part the NBA have some of the best referees in the business. I’ve been at several games where I’ve seen head of officials Ronnie Nunn perched in the stands taking notes on every single call made by his refs. If there is any sort of scandal, it was never to the point where it could have changed the outcome of a game.”
Anything that reduces the value of the league (in terms of television ratings, attendance, sponsorship dollars, merchandising) reduces the league’s ability to deliver me a good product. I just want my NBA. I want them to have enough money and support to put on the best show possible for me. (And I do not doubt that this “show,” while entertaining, is still a true competitive sporting event.) Furthermore, this scandal (like any of the pseudo-brawls or legal troubles of players) gives fuel to NBA-haters. Personally, I don’t enjoy having to defend the sport I watch to people at the water-cooler or having to come across comments like this:
‘Just one more reason to never watch the NBA. Can’t believe I used to be such a fan…the days of Bird and Magic are long gone to be replaced by street thugs and crooked refs.'”
I’ve long felt that modern pro athletes, with the possible exception of the scrubbiest of fringe players, would be immune from the lure of gambling money. Unless you’re talking tens of millions of dollars, it’s just not worth it. Managers, umpires, and referees on the other hand … they work hard, they’re underpaid given the success of the major sports leagues, and they have an inordinate amount of influence on the game. This should be a wake-up call to MLB, the NFL, and every other sports league.”
