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Jack.Kerr · 08-15-2007, 12:28 PM

August 15, 2007
Donaghy Pleads Guilty in N.B.A. Betting Case
By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT and HOWARD BECK

Tim Donaghy, a former N.B.A. referee who was under investigation for his connection to a gambling ring, turned himself in to federal authorities today and pleaded guilty to two felony counts related to gambling.

During his plea hearing, Mr. Donaghy admitted to betting on games in which he officiated. He said he would communicate his picks of the winners of N.B.A. games to gambling associates, and was paid for the correct picks. He also said he told associates which referees were scheduled to officiate games, their relationships with certain players and teams, and the health status of players.

Mr. Donaghy did not specify which games he bet on, and did not say how much money was wagered. A bail hearing is to be held at 1 p.m. today.

Two other men in the case are expected to be arraigned on gambling charges this afternoon. A lawyer for one of those men has said that his client, James Battista, 42, who attended the same high school as Mr. Donaghy in Springfield, Pa., will fight any charges that may be brought against him.

Records show that Mr. Battista was convicted of criminal conspiracy and bookmaking with five other people in 1998 by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. He did not receive a jail term, but was sentenced to probation and community service.

Federal authorities have not officially identified the other person set to be arraigned today.

The federal government had been investigating whether Mr. Donaghy bet on N.B.A. games during the past two seasons, and if he had made calls since December that affected any game’s margin of victory while being coerced by members of organized crime.

Standing before Judge Carol A. Amon in the Brooklyn federal courthouse today, Mr. Donaghy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to engage in wagering over state lines.

He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

In pleading guilty to the charges, Mr. Donaghy admitted to taking part in a scheme to defraud the N.B.A. of his honest services, by not being a referee whose only interest is making fair calls in games.

Mr. Donaghy, 40, resigned on July 9 after 13 seasons as an N.B.A. referee. He entered the federal courthouse in Brooklyn this morning through a back entrance and did not speak with reporters.

The N.B.A. first learned of the investigation on June 20, and its commissioner, David Stern, has since described Mr. Donaghy as “rogue” referee and said the incident was “isolated.” Stern said he did not believe it was connected to other referees, players or league officials.

Nevertheless, Stern called the incident, “the most serious situation and worst situation that I have ever experienced either as a fan of the NBA, a lawyer for the NBA or a commissioner of the NBA.”

Mr. Donaghy’s lawyer, John Lauro, and Mike Bass, a spokesman for the N.B.A., declined to comment yesterday.

Anahad O’Connor contributed reporting.

08-15-2007, 12:28 PM	#115
Jack.Kerr Golden Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,715	EX-ZEBRA TEES SELF UP August 15, 2007 Donaghy Pleads Guilty in N.B.A. Betting Case By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT and HOWARD BECK Tim Donaghy, a former N.B.A. referee who was under investigation for his connection to a gambling ring, turned himself in to federal authorities today and pleaded guilty to two felony counts related to gambling. During his plea hearing, Mr. Donaghy admitted to betting on games in which he officiated. He said he would communicate his picks of the winners of N.B.A. games to gambling associates, and was paid for the correct picks. He also said he told associates which referees were scheduled to officiate games, their relationships with certain players and teams, and the health status of players. Mr. Donaghy did not specify which games he bet on, and did not say how much money was wagered. A bail hearing is to be held at 1 p.m. today. Two other men in the case are expected to be arraigned on gambling charges this afternoon. A lawyer for one of those men has said that his client, James Battista, 42, who attended the same high school as Mr. Donaghy in Springfield, Pa., will fight any charges that may be brought against him. Records show that Mr. Battista was convicted of criminal conspiracy and bookmaking with five other people in 1998 by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. He did not receive a jail term, but was sentenced to probation and community service. Federal authorities have not officially identified the other person set to be arraigned today. The federal government had been investigating whether Mr. Donaghy bet on N.B.A. games during the past two seasons, and if he had made calls since December that affected any game’s margin of victory while being coerced by members of organized crime. Standing before Judge Carol A. Amon in the Brooklyn federal courthouse today, Mr. Donaghy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to engage in wagering over state lines. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. In pleading guilty to the charges, Mr. Donaghy admitted to taking part in a scheme to defraud the N.B.A. of his honest services, by not being a referee whose only interest is making fair calls in games. Mr. Donaghy, 40, resigned on July 9 after 13 seasons as an N.B.A. referee. He entered the federal courthouse in Brooklyn this morning through a back entrance and did not speak with reporters. The N.B.A. first learned of the investigation on June 20, and its commissioner, David Stern, has since described Mr. Donaghy as “rogue” referee and said the incident was “isolated.” Stern said he did not believe it was connected to other referees, players or league officials. Nevertheless, Stern called the incident, “the most serious situation and worst situation that I have ever experienced either as a fan of the NBA, a lawyer for the NBA or a commissioner of the NBA.” Mr. Donaghy’s lawyer, John Lauro, and Mike Bass, a spokesman for the N.B.A., declined to comment yesterday. Anahad O’Connor contributed reporting.