NBA Referee Pleads Guilty
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NEW YORK (AP) – Former referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to two felony charges Wednesday in connection with the NBA betting scandal. Donaghy faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting waging information through interstate commerce.
Donaghy provided recommendations, called “picks,” to co-conspirators about what team they should bet on, said Federal District Court Judge Carol Bagley Amon. If he was correct, they paid him.
The information was not public, the Brooklyn judge said. Donaghy had “unique access,” including what crews would officiate at games, the interaction of different officials and players, and the physical condition of certain players.
He concealed the scheme from the NBA and other referees to avoid detection, the judge said.
Donaghy also must pay a $500,000 fine and at least $30,000 in restitution.
