The former head of the NBA referees union and a league official for 26 years yesterday said rogue referee Tim Donaghy was able to slip through the cracks because refereeing has gotten worse and cited the final shot of Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls career as an example where a player's reputation prevented a proper call.
Mike Mathis, who retired in 2001, said Donaghy's guilty plea in federal court to betting on games he officiated and supplying inside information to mob affiliates, came as "a stick of dynamite" to the league. But Mathis said, "another stick of dynamite should be utilized (to) clean the entire officiating office and start from scratch."

Mathis, who had been snared in the NBA officials' airline ticket scandal in the late 1990's, has been loudly critical of NBA officiating. Mathis charged too many supervisors are unqualified and that referees are hired based on who, not what, they know.

Though angrily denouncing Donaghy's actions, Mathis referenced the pivotal shot in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals by Jordan against the Utah Jazz that gave the Bulls their sixth and final championship in the Jordan era. Many observers maintain Jordan committed an offensive foul, but it was not called because of Jordan's stature and reputation.

"Refereeing has gone downhill," said Mathis, who runs the Mathis Foundation that works with and supplies scholarships for foster kids in Cincinnati. "Remember when Jordan hit that winning shot? I'm going to give you exactly what the commentators said: 'What a great move by Michael.' Was that a great move or was that an offensive foul? There was no question it was a push-off. No buts about it. The only buts you can have is, 'Well, it was Michael Jordan.' That was a defining moment.

"The video tape would never lie," Mathis said. "Here's what could have happened. The referee makes the call and it's, 'No, no. How could he do that? It was Michael Jordan.' "

If what Mathis called "funny stuff" went on in games Donaghy worked, it likely went unnoticed because of the level officiating has hit.

"(We) accept unbelievable, mediocre and bad officiating," Mathis said. "The commentator says, 'He must have seen something we didn't.' No, he didn't. It's either he's guessing, he's incompetent or there's some funny stuff going on."

Donaghy admitted to federal officials that he often supplied inside information to gamblers, alerting them to what referees were working particular games. He said he was aware how some referees interacted with certain players.

"The first thing I went through was shock," Mathis said when he learned of Donaghy's transgressions. "Then I got angry. Then I said, 'What caused this?' I'm not talking about the gambling, I'm talking about the deterioration of the refereeing that has allowed this to go undetected. . . . If he was doing the funny stuff, I'm not saying he would have been caught but we might have had a chance, because all of a sudden he's standing out by calling all these calls."


FORMER NBA REF BLASTS OFFICIATING | By FRED KERBER | Sports News | Scores | Results (http://www.nypost.com/seven/08172007/sports/former_nba_ref_blasts_officiating_sports_fred_kerb er.htm)

Finally I feel some vindication and Stern has to answer to this...and not with some stock "our officials, in our opinion, do a great job..." line of crap.

It's about time this came out. Their are so many bad calls that none of this surprises me.

Nice find Mikhail. I enjoyed reading it.

Still curious to see what if anything will change.

Stern will take his cue from Major League Baseball. They'll just ignore the scandal and hope it goes away...........Same as the problem with steroids..............

Finally I feel some vindication and Stern has to answer to this...and not with some stock "our officials, in our opinion, do a great job..." line of crap.

On the whole, there is nothing better. Granted, you need better oversight on training issues and some tight critiques from third party overseers, but you have the best there is.

What many fail to understand is that they are an isolated group. A group that (from the ground level) sees, hears and eventually must act in micro-seconds. The corollary to this profession are the law officials on the beat. Everyone hates them and they see, feel and internalize what most prefer not too see or acknowledge.

Want proof on how bad it could be? Remember the substitutions during the last ref walkout?

Stern is not helping himself thinking that the flaw is isolated. It is to some extend, but because of ideological concentrations within the media, they will now not leave a stone unturned. He needs to develop an oversight (third party) structure and admit we are dealing with human beings that also are part of the media circus (of which he delights in being part of). He has to move fast on this, since repercussions will be leaking out and it's all defensiveness after that. It may get ugly and more involved with the game's integrity. Not a pretty sight too see.

They can do better.

I am more sensitive now that we have Sheed. Watching the variation in calls that he gets depending on which refs are working the game. Bias to Players and Teams is real as well as the SuperStar calls.

I would rather struggle through rookie refs as long as they are clean than deal with all the old beefs and grudges out there. Refs are some of the most unforgiving sorts.

They can do better.

I am more sensitive now that we have Sheed. Watching the variation in calls that he gets depending on which refs are working the game. Bias to Players and Teams is real as well as the SuperStar calls.

I would rather struggle through rookie refs as long as they are clean than deal with all the old beefs and grudges out there. Refs are some of the most unforgiving sorts.
Lots of truth to what you've said. The techs on Sheed, the calls he never gets on the offensive end. People wonder why he's not playing the post game as much. When defense has an open license to hack without fouling what else would you expect him to do? The superstar calls. The D-Wade ref rules. It all has to go. I agree, let the younger refs make their mistakes that don't favor any of the teams playing.

They can do better.

I am more sensitive now that we have Sheed. Watching the variation in calls that he gets depending on which refs are working the game. Bias to Players and Teams is real as well as the SuperStar calls.

I would rather struggle through rookie refs as long as they are clean than deal with all the old beefs and grudges out there. Refs are some of the most unforgiving sorts.

Good heavens, no! Rookie refs are terribly inconsistent and this is the last thing you want. All most all professional players (3 years plus) know how to adjust to the vet refs. There are books on refs and how you must stay away or how you must play them (go ask Cuban).

This is not to say that certain refs are easily grated by certain personality types. They tighten up their act in the fourth quarter and give a great deal of leeway in not letting the whistle determine the outcome. Unfortunately the game is being extremely extended and an intense concentration on strategy is being played out in the last 30 seconds. I marvel at times just how closely in-tuned the refs are in this last few seconds....right down to the adding or subtracting points on the second clock. Be honest now, could you follow the game (while on the court) that closely?

Sheed is a child...and he refuses to make any adjustments unless of course it has repercussions in suspensions. The refs could tag Sheed at least 3-5 per game with technicals. Go figure.

I'm so glad this long- awaited debate is finally starting. It's more than obvious that superstars are getting calls average players would never get.
It sucks to see all the travelling, pushing and shoving happening without calls just because of the name a player has. I hope it will become better now that there actually seems to be a discussion about that.

I'm so glad this long- awaited debate is finally starting. It's more than obvious that superstars are getting calls average players would never get.


I'm sorry folks, but to think that Stern is going to allow this gambling thing to become an overall referendum on the referees (cute, no?) is a pipe dream. This is going to end up being about one bad guy gambling when he shouldn't have, and the NBA will control the spin enough to make it only about that. Put away those brooms away, this witch-hunt is over.

dba, you're so cynical of totalitarian corporate imperialism. :MusicBigGrin:

dba, you're so cynical of totalitarian corporate imperialism. :MusicBigGrin:


I'm a tool of TCI.

Hmmm, could be the title of The Low's next song.

I'm sorry folks, but to think that Stern is going to allow this gambling thing to become an overall referendum on the referees (cute, no?) is a pipe dream. This is going to end up being about one bad guy gambling when he shouldn't have, and the NBA will control the spin enough to make it only about that. Put away those brooms away, this witch-hunt is over.

Do be naive (or so intellectually cynical)...it's just beginning. This is going to spread. Having a lawyer, or a group of lawyers (typical Stern and bringing slightly higher level thinking above those mentally challenged owners) is not the answer. He needs to bring a third party oversight group and training (using the latest technology) to buy time until the season starts so it is in place and reasonably functional.

Have you noticed how silent the union is about this? No thinking go on there.

I'm sorry folks, but to think that Stern is going to allow this gambling thing to become an overall referendum on the referees (cute, no?) is a pipe dream. This is going to end up being about one bad guy gambling when he shouldn't have, and the NBA will control the spin enough to make it only about that. Put away those brooms away, this witch-hunt is over.

It looked like it was heading in that direction and I am sure Stern would love to do that.


With the latest developments that Donaghe could predict the outcome of games based on who the refs were and that as many as 20 refs are active gambles will force the situation. And its only getting started.

If I were a betting man...

I wonder if Stern going to do what he did to Phoenix in the playoffs enforcing the rules of the engagement. If those refs gambled, they have to be let go or suspended. Is he really going to do that?

I wonder if Stern going to do what he did to Phoenix in the playoffs enforcing the rules of the engagement. If those refs gambled, they have to be let go or suspended. Is he really going to do that?

Those refs should get the same treatment as Donaghy.

There is a huge difference between fixing games and playing a little blackjack on the side.

There is a huge difference between fixing games and playing a little blackjack on the side.
Is there a big difference between getting off the bench and getting involved in a fight and jumping up to see the condition of your possibly injured teammate?

Is there a big difference between getting off the bench and getting involved in a fight and jumping up to see the condition of your possibly injured teammate?

There is a difference, that is why the suspensions were of different length.

There is a difference, that is why the suspensions were of different length.
That is not what I meant. If the refs did gamble than league has no alternative but to let them go. That is if they stick to their principles and rules.

SI.com - Writers - Marty Burns: Did old-boy network help Donaghy? - Thursday August 23, 2007 1:16PM (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/marty_burns/08/23/refs.philadelphia/)


The NBA on Tuesday named former federal prosecutor Lawrence Pedowitz to head up an internal review of its gambling policies and referee hiring procedures. Here's one question Pedowitz might want to put at the top of his list:
Is there an old-boy network at play in the hiring of NBA officials?
It seems a fair question in light of the Tim Donaghy scandal. Donaghy is one of seven refs (out of 58 who worked games last season) from the Philadelphia area. He is one of four from the same high school -- Cardinal O'Hara in Springfield, Pa.
This is what is known as a statistical anomaly.

That is not what I meant. If the refs did gamble than league has no alternative but to let them go. That is if they stick to their principles and rules.

Is that what their published rule is? That if the refs gamble on anything, they are terminated? No warning system or anything?

If that is the case, then I agree with you.

Is that what their published rule is? That if the refs gamble on anything, they are terminated? No warning system or anything?

If that is the case, then I agree with you.
That is what I read in several sources online that refs are prohibited from gambling and the termination will result if...

There also seems like there are a lot of bball players from Compton.

From a population of 93,000, there are 4 current NBA players (Prince, Afflalo, Chandler, and B. Davis).

Since only 1 in every 909,090 Americans is currently in the NBA, then that means that Compton has produce 39 times the expected number of players.

Seems fishy.

That is what I read in several sources online that refs are prohibited from gambling and the termination will result if...

Well, let's hope the anti-Pistons refs are goners then.

Remember the guys that we couldn't win against in the playoffs a couple years ago? See ya.

Is there a big difference between getting off the bench and getting involved in a fight and jumping up to see the condition of your possibly injured teammate?

Great analogy.........we all know there is a difference but stu and crew never listen to anyone but their precious rule book. I am so eager to see how little stern will get out of this mess.

Is there a big difference between getting off the bench and getting involved in a fight and jumping up to see the condition of your possibly injured teammate?
Brilliant. Post of the day.

What are you guys talking about? They didn't punish players in the same way for punching other players as they did for leaving the bench area.

The rule is meant to keep players from entering the fray and escalating the problem. They are not being hyper technical with the enforcement... that is what the rule was meant to prevent- guys leaving the bench during a fight.

As far as the refs and the gambling. They should punish them exactly how the rule says that they will.


And Donaghy resigned, right? So the NBA didn't even punish him. If you want the NBA to hold the blackjack playing refs to the same standard, then you are out of luck, because they didn't do a thing.

Stern's position on the suspensions were that everyone knew the rules, and they had to enforce them, even if the intent to escalate a fight was not necessarily there.

Stern was adamant that every player knows not to leave the bench to escalate an altercation.

Mikhail's point is that if there is a rule, that prohibits the refs from all but betting on horses, and they have violated it, then Stern, by his own standard, would appear to be compelled to mete out justice, based upon the fact that the refs "knew the rules".

It was ludicrous when Stern suspended Amare and Boris, and it will be ludicrous this time around. But it's David Stern's world and we are just living in it.

Why was Amare's suspension ludicrous? It is a similar rule to the one in the NFL where you can't take your helmet off on the field.

Why didn't the other Suns players get off the bench when the fight broke out? Was it because they didn't give a crap about their teammates?

I agree that the refs should be punished, but certainly not fired.


And just a dose of reality here, what a prick Donaghy is. He's ratting out other refs for going to the casino after he gets caught ruining the reputation of all NBA refs? Maybe he should tell on them for cheating on their wives while they were on the road too.

Why was Amare's suspension ludicrous? It is a similar rule to the one in the NFL where you can't take your helmet off on the field.

Why didn't the other Suns players get off the bench when the fight broke out? Was it because they didn't give a crap about their teammates?

I agree that the refs should be punished, but certainly not fired.


And just a dose of reality here, what a prick Donaghy is. He's ratting out other refs for going to the casino after he gets caught ruining the reputation of all NBA refs? Maybe he should tell on them for cheating on their wives while they were on the road too.

The ounce of credibility that stern and his troops have will be gone if a ref was proven to be in violation of their contract (which prohibits gambling other than horse racing in the summer) and they were not fired immediately. It does not matter how many refs that are involved. Using inexperienced refs would probably hurt, but what other alternatives could be employed.

I would be curious to see the clause in the contract.

Also, I'm wondering if any NBA refs have been warned/ fined behind closed doors for violated this provision, or other ones in the contract. In other words, has there been a precedent for more lenient penalties than termination.

As much as I would like to see the entire refereeing system revamped, I think it would be a shame for a man's career to end because he engaged in recreational gambling that was not tied to the NBA.

As much as I would like to see the entire refereeing system revamped, I think it would be a shame for a man's career to end because he engaged in recreational gambling that was not tied to the NBA.
Oh geez Tay, don't cry for the refs on this one.

They have a contract, it's a well paid, high profile position, with the opportunity to earn more on the side by conducting summer basketball camps and giving hot tips to bookies.

All Stern asks is that they abstain from playing/participating in games of chance for profit or loss. They're welcome to indulge their competitive side by placing Gentleman's bets on the golf course or playing marbles.

Don't you have some restrictions on your outside of work behavior that could be or lead to a conflict of interest with your profession?

As far as I am concerned, playing Uno for nickels is the gateway to a serious gambling addiction. One day, you're screaming Uno and baptizing yourself with pocket change, the next day you're at a street corner phone booth, calling Louis The Hammer to place a $50k bet on the Atlanta Hawks.

As much as I would like to see the entire refereeing system revamped, I think it would be a shame for a man's career to end because he engaged in recreational gambling that was not tied to the NBA.

If it's the rule then I don't see it being shameful. They knew what they were getting into. If the rules say NO gambling I think the refs understand what that means..they just didn't listen.

As far as I am concerned, playing Uno for nickels is the gateway to a serious gambling addiction. One day, you're screaming Uno and baptizing yourself with pocket change, the next day you're at a street corner phone booth, calling Louis The Hammer to place a $50k bet on the Atlanta Hawks.

Ain't that the truth? It's a slippery slope once you get started. My Grandma used to have a "friendly" wager on her scrabble games ...two years later we found her in a smoke filled church basement with 12 bingo cards in front of her and a cigarette hanging from her lips.

If they were betting on dice, then that is not a conflict of interest, just a conflict of contract.

Like when a guy Rothleisberger gets caught violating his motorcyle clause. Even though they could have, the Steelers didn't fire him. Did the Steelers lose all credibility following their decision to not enforce the terms of contract?

Violating terms of a contract results in a default. When there is a default, then it gives the other party the option to take remedies... if they want to.

A counter example to the big Ben crash is the Jay Williams incident. The default under the contract for motorcycle riding allowed them to quit paying him. If he would have still been able to perform, then they would have let it slide.

Stern's position on the suspensions were that everyone knew the rules, and they had to enforce them, even if the intent to escalate a fight was not necessarily there.

Stern was adamant that every player knows not to leave the bench to escalate an altercation.

Mikhail's point is that if there is a rule, that prohibits the refs from all but betting on horses, and they have violated it, then Stern, by his own standard, would appear to be compelled to mete out justice, based upon the fact that the refs "knew the rules".

It was ludicrous when Stern suspended Amare and Boris, and it will be ludicrous this time around. But it's David Stern's world and we are just living in it.
:cheerlie-GOAL: :p_welldone:

I guess the problem is that I haven't seen the rule that says that if a referee is in violation of any aspect of the contract that it must result in termination.

If it says it, then I'm with you. Show me.

I guess we do have to keep in mind that there are some good refs out there. The guys that Donague could not predict , the kind you never notice.

Sports - Scandal has NBA refs on a mission - sacbee.com (http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/349861.html)


Connected by scandal, joined in anger, bonded with determination, they gathered in a ballroom tucked into the far corner of a hallway, their public spectacle being addressed privately.
NBA referees met down an escalator, past two security guards checking specially issued IDs, and beyond double doors. The National Basketball Referees Foundation, the charitable arm of the union, held its second annual convention last weekend in Century City. It was their refuge, complete with the stipulation that nothing from the Westside room could be made public.
Some 40 NBA referees attended, about two-thirds of the work force that will begin calling exhibition games in October, with approximately 25 more from the college and high school ranks. Some spouses sat in. Billy Hunter, the leader of the National Basketball Players Association, participated in a panel. So did experts on public relations, conditioning and communications.

Whatever happened to the ref scandal?

Jack Nies ( who officiated the Pistons/Lakers Jan 31st ) was on the questionable list. If not corrupt at least a history of favoring certain teams ( Lakers ) and star players.

How can they be allowed to go back to business as usual so easily?

What was the spread on that game last night?

What was the spread on that game last night?

Some really questionable calls from Jack last nite.