The NBA acknowledged Friday that the FBI is investigating Tim
Donaghy for betting on games, including ones in which he
officiated.
Donaghy, 40, grew up in Havertown and was a graduate of Cardinal
OHara High School and had an extensive career with the NBA. The
Havertown resident graduated from Villanova University in 1988.
Over 17 seasons, he officiated over 700 games.
According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining
whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games
on which he or associates had wagered over the past two
seasons.
The referee had a gambling problem and was approached by low-level
mob associates through an acquaintance, said the official, who
spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
Donaghy is perhaps best-known previously as one of the referees in
the 2004 game at Detroit that ended with Indiana Pacers players
fighting with Pistons fans, among the biggest black marks in league
history.
Donaghy officiated 68 games in the 2005-06 season and 63 games in
2006-07, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He also worked 20
playoff games, including five last season -- Pistons-Magic on April
23; Warriors-Mavericks on April 27; Suns-Lakers on April 29;
Nets-Raptors on May 4; and Spurs-Suns on May 12.
The National Basketball Referees Association did not return calls
for a statement, and Donaghy reportedly has resigned from the
league.
Veteran oddsmaker John Avello, at the Wynn resort on the Las Vegas
Strip, said that without specific information it would be difficult
to identify wagering irregularities over the last two
seasons.