A former NBA referee still denies match-fixing claims from the early 2000s after serving 11 months in federal prison. Tim Donaghy, the NBA ref in question, has also attacked new gambling regulations after an incriminatory article by ESPN. According to Donaghy, the 10 000 word report was brought about by new sports betting laws and the federal ban lift in 2018.
Circumstantial evidence in the article claims that the NBA referee fixed games he oversaw in the 2000s. Since the report took two years to be released, there seems to be more to the story. In fact, over 100 interviews about Donaghy were conducted. More so, footage of every game has been examined for possible ties. Still, this is not definite proof.
NBA Referee Data Compiled
In over 40 games, Donaghy’s calls as an NBA referee were tied to illegal odds on the games. What’s more, each foul was recorded precisely. As a result, findings show that Donaghy favored teams with bigger betting lines 70 per cent of the time. On the other hand, games, where the favorite was beating the other team well, were relatively undisturbed.
And in interviews, witnesses claimed that Donaghy had admitted to manipulating games. Most people told then used the tip-offs to profit off of his corruption.
During an investigation by the FBI back in 2007, evidence resulted in a plea deal from the NBA referee. However, he wasn’t charged with match-fixing in the bargain and claimed that he only used insider information. At the time, he claimed that he had never influenced games or outcomes.
ESPN Article
While he has denounced the article, Donaghy was approached by ESPN for the article. The disgraced NBA referee apparently refused to be involved. He claims that it ‘smelled like a hit job’. Of course, circumstantial evidence rarely results in further convictions.
