Tim Donaghy Gambling Referee
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleads guilty to felony gambling
On August 15, 2007, Tim Donaghy plead guilty to two felonies for betting on NBA games - some of which, he refereed - and secretly advising professional gamblers.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy was first caught for gambling on his own officiated games during the 2006-07 season, but despite popular belief, he actually had been betting four seasons prior to. Minutes after a recent telephone interview about the new film that portrays his role at the center of an NBA betting scandal, Tim Donaghy texted the reporter with a suggestion, actually a wish that will never come true. “Just list me as Tim Donaghy,” he wrote, “and drop the disgraced NBA referee. Tim Donaghy, the disgraced former NBA referee who gambled on pro basketball games he oversaw, has been charged with felony aggravated assault in Florida. The World's Online Gaming Authority Since 1995.
Donaghy later announced he was receiving help for gambling addiction, which his lawyer said is what led to his criminal actions.
NBA conspiracy theorists have long believed Donaghy's claims that games in the early- and mid-2000s were fixed by referees, with the encouragement of the NBA's league office.
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These theories garner the most attention in the playoffs, when teams shoot significantly more free throws than their opponents - see the game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals, or the Mavs' 2006 finals appearance.
Despite these conspiracy, nothing of merit has ever shown the NBA to be influencing games.
More skeptical observers believe, if NBA referees were involved in illegal gambling operations, they would be more concerned with the over/under than the winner.
The NBA has vehemently denied any and all allegations of this being a widespread issue.
Donaghy, who was an NBA referee for over a decade, was released from prison in 2009.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleads guilty to felony gambling
On August 15, 2007, Tim Donaghy plead guilty to two felonies for betting on NBA games - some of which, he refereed - and secretly advising professional gamblers.
Donaghy later announced he was receiving help for gambling addiction, which his lawyer said is what led to his criminal actions.
NBA conspiracy theorists have long believed Donaghy's claims that games in the early- and mid-2000s were fixed by referees, with the encouragement of the NBA's league office.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
These theories garner the most attention in the playoffs, when teams shoot significantly more free throws than their opponents - see the game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals, or the Mavs' 2006 finals appearance.
Despite these conspiracy, nothing of merit has ever shown the NBA to be influencing games.
More skeptical observers believe, if NBA referees were involved in illegal gambling operations, they would be more concerned with the over/under than the winner.
The NBA has vehemently denied any and all allegations of this being a widespread issue.
Referee Tim Donaghy
Donaghy, who was an NBA referee for over a decade, was released from prison in 2009.