Posted on 07/20/2007 5:49:58 AM PDT by John W
The FBI is investigating an NBA referee who allegedly was betting on basketball games - including ones he was officiating during the past two seasons - as part of an organized-crime probe in the Big Apple, The Post has learned.
The investigation, which began more than a year ago, is zeroing in on blockbuster allegations that the referee was making calls that affected the point spread to guarantee that he - and the hoods who had their hooks in him - cashed in on large bets.
Federal agents are set to arrest the referee and a cadre of mobsters and their associates who lined their pockets, sources said.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
I bet it’s Steve Javie...
This is not surprising, NBA officials are not even graded so there is no accountability. I have basicly quit watching the NBA because of its officiating, It is more closely related to Wrestling that it is to any other sport.
Ha Ha!
There’s no such thing as the Mafia. They told me so when I got my Foot Ball Cards. For information purposes only, of course.
I once heard an NBA ref discussing how the younger players will eventually get the fouls called their way after they establish themselves. Then I remember how Jordan was only allowed 7 steps while carrying the ball. Now this. It all makes sense.
Can’t say I’m surprised.
Now named-—
NBA referee Tim Donaghy is under investigation by the FBI for allegations that he bet on games that he officiated over the past two seasons and that he made calls affecting the point spread in games, multiple sources told ESPN.
Donaghy, a 13-year veteran of the league, is aware of the investigation and resigned from the NBA recently.
from-—http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2943095
This is absolutely not a shred of truth to this statement.
They’re graded.
I’ve thought NBA games were “fixed” for years.
I’ve thought NBA games were “fixed” for years.
I accept your critique and stand corrected, I didn’t communicate my complaint with NBA officiating correctly. And I have no beef with the referees themselves, My complaint with the NBA is in the lack of tranparency of the system that is used to enforce its rules.
I have major issues with the Star system used which affords its Super Star players undue considerations in regards to the rules. I think the rules are the rules and should be applied across the board regardless of the star status of the player involved.
That being said I can understand the desire to keep the stars on the court in the interest of the fans during the regular season. I cannot understand a double tiered system in the playoffs, I think every player which has made it to the playoffs deserves to have the rules enforced equally. However I don’t see that happening and frankly I don’t think it can.
I also think if opens up many negative possibilities which don’t belong in the game, such as who decides which players deserve star status treatment during the game and which games and matchups that treatment will be afforded. I think it is counter productive in that it gives the star players a advantage which doesn’t serve the game of basketball well since it hinders the lesser talented team from rising up and pulling off the upset.
So you are totally correct my post was out of line, my beef is with NBA management and a system it uses which opens itself up for just this type of scandel. I do not believe that the current system serves pro basketball well and leaves many fans wondering about the credibilty of the game, myself included. I feel the rules are the rules, enforce them equally.
I have heard all the reasons for inaccurate calls and I do understand the speed of the game, that is not my point. My point is some players are allowed to skirt the rules while others are not, Some players can be banged around and played very physically while some players can’t be touched. I think it cheapens the game.
BTW I have voiced myself to the NBA and recieved the canned response, however I not blind nor dumb. I’ve watched sports all my life and I’m not young, I know what I’m saying is happening and it leaves the NBA in position for just this type of situation. I hope this serves a starting point for a complete re-think on the structure of NBA officiating.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.