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FBI Names Rogue NBA Ref

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

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2007 2:39 PM CDT

(Newser) – 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.

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)
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,...   (Associated Press)
NBA official Tim Donaghy separates Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers players during the second half of the Lakers' 99-92 victory in an NBA basketball first-round playoff game in this April 28, 2006 file photo, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
NBA official Tim Donaghy separates Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers players during the second half of the Lakers' 99-92 victory in an NBA basketball first-round playoff game in this April 28, 2006...   (Associated Press)
Two writers leave after being told by an unidentified woman at the home owned by NBA referee Tim Donaghy that they have no comment  Friday afternoon July 20, 2007 in Bradenton, Fla.  The FBI is investigating allegations that Donaghy bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones...
Two writers leave after being told by an unidentified woman at the home owned by NBA referee Tim Donaghy that they have "no comment" Friday afternoon July 20, 2007 in Bradenton, Fla. The FBI is investigating...   (Associated Press)
** FILE *8 Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (1) covers his face while talking with official Tim Donaghy, left, after a foul call during the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in this Jan. 15, 2005 file photo, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
** FILE *8 Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (1) covers his face while talking with official Tim Donaghy, left, after a foul call during the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in this Jan. 15,...   (Associated Press)
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