TIM DONAGHY READY TO NAME NAMES
Mitchell Blatt
20 More Refs Said To Be Part of Game-Fixing Ring
National Basketball Referees Association director Lamell McMorris said in the wake of Tim Donaghy that, “As far as we know, the misconduct was isolated to one individual.” Tim Donaghy said that 20 or more referees could be involved. He told ESPN Radio that he would be cooperating with the investigation and naming at least 20 names. Before you get all crazed up over this, keep this in mind: Donaghy is a sleaze-bag who could easily be doing this just to get off with less punishment.
Donaghy was well known as a flake among the other refs. One retired ref who worked a number of games with Donaghy told Sports Illustrated, “He’s a screwball and a loner. Knowing his character, he would be completely capable of selling out others to save himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if he accused innocent refs just to muddy the water.”
Already making $260,000 last season and taking every extra money-making opportunity, Donaghy’s greed was uncontrollable. “Anytime there was a money-related assignment, like teaching a clinic or making an appearance, Donaghy would be all over it,” said the ref, “If he didn’t get picked, he would be livid. He tried so hard every year to get to ref the Finals.” Refs get paid more depending on how deep they make it, with $75,000 extra going to senior officials who call the Finals. Donaghy worked five playoff games last season, one in the second round.
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