Donaghy enters plea of guilty to charges

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, admitting he bet on games and gave inside information to gambling associates, pleaded guilty yesterday to two felony charges stemming from the scandal that rocked the league earlier this summer.

Donaghy faces a maximum of 25 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to transmit wagering information through interstate commerce. He was released on $250,000 bond, with sentencing expected Nov. 9.

According to the indictment, Donaghy began placing bets on NBA games four years ago, including games he officiated. He began to receive payments for "betting recommendations" on NBA games, including games he officiated, in December 2006.

The events surrounding a Dec. 13, 2006, game between the Celtics and 76ers in Philadelphia raised the suspicion of investigators. According to the indictment, Donaghy "spoke with a coconspirator by telephone regarding his pick for an NBA game" Dec. 13. The next day, Donaghy met with coconspirators in Pennsylvania and "received a cash payment." Donaghy received payments for as much as $5,000 for correct picks and nothing for incorrect picks.

Donaghy officiated the game between Boston and Philadelphia along with Matt Boland and Derrick Stafford. It was not a game that would automatically raise suspicion, though Donaghy admitted relaying information regarding the officiating crews assigned games, the interaction between certain officials and players, and the health of players.

According to the Associated Press, the pointspread moved 2 points before the game was taken off the board as Boston went from a 1 1/2-point to a 3 1/2-point favorite. The Celtics defeated Philadelphia, 101-81. The over-under line was 194 points. The blowout came with Allen Iverson sidelined as the Sixers pursued a trade for him.

Danny Ainge, the Celtics' executive director of basketball operations, declined to comment on the possibility of a Boston game being affected by the scandal.

The indictment also revealed that Donaghy spoke with coconspirators by telephone Dec. 26, 2006, regarding his pick for an NBA game. According to the indictment, Donaghy met with a coconspirator in Toronto March 11, 2007, and received a cash payment.

Appearing in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y., Donaghy spoke quietly as he told US District Judge Carol Bagley Amon that he is seeing a psychiatrist for his gambling addiction and taking an antidepressant and anxiety medication.

"Tim is relieved this part of the proceeding is over and we look forward to completely resolving this matter in the coming months," said Donaghy's attorney, John Lauro. "Tim deeply regrets his involvement in this matter and especially the pain it has caused his family, friends, and co-workers."

Prosecutors identified the two alleged coconspirators as professional gambler James Battista, nicknamed "Baba" and "Sheep," and Thomas Martino. Both men were in the custody of federal marshals yesterday, awaiting arraignment. In addition to possible jail time, Donaghy, who cooperated with the investigation, must pay a $500,000 fine and at least $30,000 in restitution to the government. Awaiting sentencing, Donaghy turned over his passport and needs permission to travel anywhere besides Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.

At this point, no other NBA officials or personnel are implicated in the conspiracy, supporting the claim commissioner David Stern made at a July 24 press conference when he called Donaghy a "rogue, isolated criminal." The guilty plea by Donaghy precludes the possibility of a lengthy trial, airing even more details of the conspiracy.

"As expected, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty today to betting on NBA games, including games in which he officiated, and providing confidential information to others who bet on NBA games," said Stern in a statement. "We will continue with our ongoing and thorough review of the league's officiating program to ensure that the best possible policies and procedures are in place to protect the integrity of our game."

Added National Basketball Referees Association spokesman Lamell McMorris in a statement: "Tim Donaghy's former colleagues on the NBA's officiating staff are deeply saddened to learn that he pleaded guilty to wagering on professional basketball games and providing others with nonpublic information on those games.

"This is a truly unfortunate case of wrongdoing by one of our own who has admitted to having a serious gambling problem. We recognize that a cloud has descended upon all referees, but we are committed to showing the public that this was an isolated event and that NBA officiating is conducted at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and fairness."

The NBA learned of an investigation concerning wrongdoing by Donaghy June 20, then met with FBI investigators the next day to offer its cooperation without subpoena. Donaghy resigned by letter July 9. Last month at his press conference, Stern noted that Donaghy was "in the top tier of accuracy" before his resignation.

Material from wire services was used in this report.