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Originally Posted by TXMike
LIke I said, part of the deal will be a polygraph. If he passes, the NBA will be forced to do an internal investigation. Should not be too hard to prove, assuming any betting refs don't just go ahead and admit it. Once it is proved, then the NBA is forced to make a decision. Dump 'em or just discipline some other way. If memory serves, didn't they hire back some guys a few years ago after they were convicted in tax cases? There is precedent for them being lenient. Just seems to me, the inertia of the current situation will force drastic action by the League.
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I'd bet that the NBA referees association might have something to say about the NBA starting an investigation based on the results of Donaghy's polygraph!!
The NBA letting officials back in the league after the tax issues wasn't leniency -- it was being reasonable. The entire tax issue was a joke dreamed up by the IRS to get them some news coverage. What the NBA officials were doing wasn't anything different than thousands of businessmen did (and probably still do) at the time. However, going after the NBA officials got the IRS on ESPN, whereas prosecuting regular businessmen wouldn't.
Don't kid yourself that the NBA wasn't aware of the officials downgrading first class tickets and pocketing the fare refund. They knew what was going on and it was common practice among the officiating staff. For the IRS to prosecute anyone for not declaring that as "income" is absurd.