Referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to two felony charges
Wednesday in New York in an NBA betting scandal.
According to ESPN.com news services, Donaghy faces a maximum of
25 years in prison when he is sentenced for conspiracy to engage in
wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate
commerce.
Donaghy provided recommendations, called "picks" to
co-conspirators about what team they should bet on, said US
District Court Judge Carol Bagley Amon. If he was correct, they
paid him.
The picks included information about games that Donaghy
officiated, the government said.
The information was not public, the judge said. Donaghy had
"unique access," including what crews would officiate at games, the
interaction of different officials and players, and the physical
condition of certain players. He concealed the scheme from the NBA
and other referees to avoid detection, the judge said.
Donaghy also must pay a US$500,000 fine and at least US$30,000
in restitution.
"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 lawyer John Lauro.
"Tim deeply regrets his involvement in this matter and
especially the pain it has caused his family, friends and
co-workers," he added.
Donaghy, who stood ramrod-straight, hands clasped in front of
him, spoke in nearly inaudible tones as he told the judge that he
is seeing a psychiatrist for his gambling addiction, and is taking
an antidepressant and anxiety medication.
The two alleged co-conspirators were in the custody of federal
marshals on Wednesday and were awaiting arraignment on conspiracy
charges carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2007)