NBA Chief Doubts Other Refs Are Involved

(CBS/AP)  NBA commissioner David Stern said he believed the betting scandal that has rocked the league won't go beyond the allegations against the one referee who resigned.

Stern also called it the "worst situation" he's experienced in his 23 years at the helm.

"Mr. Donaghy is the only referee alleged to have bet on NBA games and disclosed confidential information to others," Stern said Tuesday, referring to Tim Donaghy during a packed news conference. "I'll say it again, I understand this is an isolated case."

A somber and shaken Stern portrayed Donaghy like a government agent gone bad, a corrupt individual bent on breaking the rules, reports CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian.

Although no charges have been filed, Stern confirmed accusations that Donaghy bet on NBA games the last two seasons, adds Keteyian, including some in which he worked, and that he provided inside information about games so other gamblers could profit.

Donaghy is expected to turn himself in at U.S. District Court in Brooklyn later this week or early next week, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

A subdued Stern said he felt betrayed on behalf of NBA fans in his first public comments since news of the investigation broke.

"The current state of what we're dealing with is betting and providing information," Stern said. "I don't know of any charges yet or any discussions yet as to fixing of games."

Stern called it the "worst situation I've every experienced either as fan of the NBA, a lawyer for the NBA or commissioner of the NBA."

Donaghy's lawyer has informed the NBA that the former referee is considering agreeing to a plea agreement.

The FBI first contacted the NBA on June 20 to talk about a referee alleged to be gambling on games, and the two sides met on June 21, Stern said. Donaghy resigned July 9.

"Suffice to say, we would have liked to have terminated him earlier, but our understanding was the investigation would best be aided if we did not terminate Mr. Donaghy," Stern said.

The June call from the FBI was not the first time Donaghy faced gambling allegations.

In January 2005, Stern said, the NBA investigated a dispute between Donaghy and a West Chester, Pa., neighbor. During the investigation, there were allegations that Donaghy was gambling — not on sports — in Atlantic City. Stern said the league contacted every casino in Atlantic City and Las Vegas and found no evidence of gambling by Donaghy.

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[soldat44]

"NBA Chief Doubts Other Refs Are Involved"

LMAO!!

[keithle1]

The poop has hit the fan. NBA players could do a lot of things if they woke up tomorrow and were poor slobs who couldn't play basketball. Park cars at the airport, sell beer at sporting events, clean subway stations, etc. The list is endless.

[red164]

Posted by aa36042 at 01:47 PM : Jul 24, 2007

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[aa36042]

realpatriot1:

thats all well and fine but i dont consider that a very "long" history..in years, yes. in incidents no. My point is that you can REASONABLY assume that games are NOT fixed. Conspiracy theorists like your friend would have you believe its an every day way of life in sports. Its not.

[shoujoboy-2009]

Yay! Now I have someone to blame when my team loses. It doesn't matter what the sport is, from now on I can just say "The refs had ties with the mob, thats why they lost." It's bad to hear yes and it will take away from the enjoyment of the game, but it is just that, a game. At the end of the day if my team falls due to point shaving or technical fouls called or whatever I just sulk for a bit and move on.

[emsaund1]

Why do you guys keep commenting on this stupid story? Dont you feel bad enough that your contributing to all to the sucka MC's out there that have no brains, cannot speak proper English, and commit crimes at an astronomical rate but yet you keep contributing to that kind of nonsense?

How many more blacks are you going to prop up with your hard earned money to stand up in front of the tube holding a pair of DJ Jazzy Jeff "Sneeekuz" and babble out Ebonics illogic to the audience for which can make no sense of what they just said?

STOP WATCHING THE NBA AND EDUCATE YOUR BRAINS!!!!!

[gslinger3]

It be da Devil Bush's Fault!

[realpatriot1]

aa36042,

I'll remain nuetral on the super bowl issue raised by red164 but when it comes to game fixing, there's a long history of confirmed incidents of game fixing by gambling interests in sports.

It's all about show me the money. From the Boston College and CCNY point-shaving scandals of the 50s to Pete Rose to the owner of the Eagles being found dead on the beach after being last seen with mob figures, it would be naive to not see conspiracy where so much money is at stake.

It isn't just gambling money either. The leagues love to see the large market teams in the finals to help their tv ratings.

At least the NFL has instant replay, so it's harder to fix.

I guess it's because I'm a Democrat(or a Cleveland sports fan), I've thought for years that it was obvious that NBA officials were fixing games.

[aa36042]

red164:

you are a tool..i bet you%u2019re a democrat too right? I can guess that by the way you throw lame conspiracy theories around. Professional sports, for the most part are legit. You can asume that some people that take advantage of the system are not caught, that%u2019s a reasonable expectation. But to classify these various sports MLB, NFL and etc as corrupt is a 50iq conspiracy theory. Im usually not so insulting but hearing things like this just makes me cringe. Stop with the conspiracy theories, the truth is that we have very transparent systems and for the most part these orgs are legit. Let me guess, G bush also is the cause for 9-11 and Barry Bonds gets your benefit of the doubt. My my my%u2026..

[overteen]

so, if not for Sterns' affection for the Spurs, and Donaghy's affection for the mob, the Phoenix Suns would be NBA champs right now.