Sorry, everyone, I am still fairly decidedly in the "bad apple" camp until I have anything concrete about a slew of corrupt refs. Of course the NBA could use some improvement what with the superstar calls and whatnot, so I'm hopeful something good comes of all this. I still like hearing all the other opinions though, so keep them coming.
Sports Betting and Gambling Odds Online Yeah...that can be taken two ways: 1) bookmakers and or organized crime figures 2) other referees and or NBA personnel I think both are probable. Now that the cats outta the bag, I see the FBI scouring the NBA from top to bottom.
I remember two Wolves vs Pistons games where the Pistons were completely given the worst game ending calls. Both times they lost by 1 after hitting game winners that did not count because of weird fouls. It was in 04, but I don't remember the refs.
Not fully knowing the law, I have what might be stupid questions. Why is it that Donaghy has been allowed a number of days before turning himself in? Why is he allowed time to try to cover his tracks and possibly cover for others? Stern has said there will be a PC this week to discuss the issue. Why put it off? Any bets it will occur AFTER Donaghy turns himself in and gives a statement?
from detteams posted article I wonder how many Heat fans complained about the calls and were assured by their sports writers to never blame a loss on the refs. "Stop whining about the calls, thats not why you lost"
Stern is trying to do damage control. He needs to keep his mouth shut and just say that a full investigation will be done and anyone involved or with direct knowledge working for the NBA will be dealt with. Stern is digging his own grave by making statements that he doesn't have facts to back up.
Crooked Ref, Big Deal Question to any of you with knowledge of the judicial system. If there were no ties (alleged) to illegal gambling activities would point shaving be illegal. Is there a specific legislative mandate that requires officiating parties be honest and of the highest integrity in performance of their duties. Is there a FDA, or a NITSA, or an OSHA to govern officiating. Or, is this business called professional basketball very similar to the business of professional wrestling in that TOTAL CONTROL OF THE OFFICIATING PROCEDURE FALLS WITHIN THE BUSINESS PLAN, to the extent that predetermined outcomes are possible.
Just throwing out theories. A guy with a gambling problem is easily controlled by anyone who can get him money. The league might have looked at him as a resource.
People do not go to the mob for money unless they are desperate. He may have been into the mob for only 50k, but that means he was in debt way beyond that already.
So which refs called the fouls in that stretch. That should tell you if more than one ref is involved. Indeed, hey, its all on tape. As someone who studies NBA film as his hobby, I got my suspicions as to which refs are crooked.
In the absence of a regulatory body, the free market will determine whether or not the NBA is a viable business model with this sort of public scandal or if it moves to a model based more upon manipulated entertainment than competition with integrity. Based on the fan responses I have read and heard, this is a big deal to the ticket buying base. Many of those poor souls actually believed the games were won and lost by the players.
I know your reputation around the League is at stake Lee, but I think you should spill the beans on these other crooked refs. Could be a hassle..getting called in to testify and all...but if you don't take some action this situation may never get resolved. To me, I hope this opens the door to a revamping of NBA officiating.
ESPN Page 2 - The Sports Guy: The Donaghy scandal Bill Simmons chiming in on state of officiating in NBA.
I've got a funny feeling that after the other refs involved are exposed (if indeed there were others), that will be the time when Lee tells us whether he was right or wrong about those he suspected. Knowing Lee, I'll bet he has a 100 percent hit ratio.
