FBI Names Rogue NBA Ref

Veteran Tim Donaghy accused of mob ties, illegal bets totaling thousands of dollars

By Wesley Oliver

Posted Jul 21, 2007 2:39 PM CDT

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FBI Names Rogue NBA Ref — Phoenix Suns guard Raja Bell (19) reacts to a foul called by official Tim Donaghy (21) in the first against the San Antonio Spurs during the their second round playoff basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, May 12, 2007. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Associated Press)

The FBI has officially blown the whistle on an NBA referee accused on illegal gambling. The feds are investigating claims that over the past two years veteran Tim Donaghy officiated a number of games on which he or his associates had placed bets—which might have totaled thousands of dollars. Their probe will also scrutinize Donaghy's alleged mob ties.

ESPN reports that Donaghy, 40, made calls in over 150 games, including 2004’s infamous match-up between the Pacers and the Pistons that led to a brawl. One sports website shows data suggesting Donaghy’s calls favored teams expected to win. Donaghy is expected to surrender to authorities next week. (More NBA stories.)

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