The NBA released a statement yesterday that did not deny last weekend’s allegations that up to 20 referees gambled in casinos in violation of their contracts. However, the statement said its investigation shows only disgraced referee Tim Donaghy gambled on the NBA.
If commissioner David Stern has evidence a referee gambled in a casino, he could be fired under terms of his contract that prohibits all refs from wagering.
The loss of 20 referees, one-third the work force, would be devastating to the league with preseason openers slated to begin in less than two months. The NBA declined comment on what disciplinary action would be taken if a referee were found to have gambled in a casino.
“There have been allegations that other referees violated NBA rules prohibiting casino gaming and the like, but it remains our understanding that Tim Donaghy is the only referee who bet on NBA games,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said.
As part of his plea agreement, Donaghy reportedly cited 20 referees who have gambled in some form. The NBA is amidst its own investigation.
“Everything is under review,” an NBA executive said last week regarding officials.
The crisis is so deep Stern has placed a gag order on NBA coaches and GMs. It’s even trickled down to the WNBA.
Former NBA player and outspoken Detroit Shock coach Bill Laimbeer, who faces the Liberty in the playoffs Friday, told The Post, “You’re not going to get me in the middle of that one. David Stern comes down with his big, old super gag order like ‘Aaargh.’ I’m not going to put my foot into something like that. That’s crazy. Maybe I would comment on it, but my job is the preservation of everything and I’m not going to get in the middle of that one.”
Donaghy faces sentencing Nov. 9, and the more information he provides the feds likely will lead to a lighter sentence. He faces a maximum 25 years for gambling felonies that included making “picks” on NBA games for gamblers and providing inside information.