Donaghy pleads guilty

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Three things:
1. These are FEDERAL charges, so the government's authority comes under the interstate commerce clause. Hence, you see charges such as wire fraud and transmitting across state lines.

2. The federal prosecutors charge people with what they can PROVE, not necessarily with what they may also be guilty of doing. When they have something clear cut which is going to put someone away, their attitude is that is good enough. Think back to what they finally pinned on Al Capone--tax evasion.

3. This is a plea BARGAIN. So each side is making some concessions here. In return the government is getting a conviction without much work in court, and the individual (and the NBA) is saving some face by picking to exactly which charges he stipulates. Certain words may sound better or worse.
For example, "fixing games" has a very negative connotation, while "wire fraud" is rather mundane.

For once Georgetown has some good points.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

The worst punishment would be to have him ref Mark's TBA youth ball for five years. He'd have to deal with all those parents..

Actually, Juulie - he probably wouldn't do too badly. As you know, the traveling rule in the NBA is about the same as ours is in 3rd grade games - practically nonexistent.

In fact, I'd probably get a real kick out of seeing Tim call a 3rd grader for a "loose ball foul", especially if it made a little girl cry.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Mark Dexter

For once Georgetown has some good points.

Naturally, this is just a theoretical conjecture at this point, and you know that is what we do.

PS I'm going to have to save your post as such a sentiment may never be expressed again.

[jmaellis]

Somebody should keep a list going, then when he is sentenced we can see who is closest.

As for me:

In custody: 18 months

House arrest: 6 months

Probation: 5 years

[Jurassic Referee]

Maybe we should have a poll.

My vote:
- hanging
- followed by 3 years probation.

[Jimgolf]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Maybe we should have a poll.

My vote:
- hanging
- followed by 3 years probation.

Big smile, thanks

[UMP25]

Report: Donaghy set to implicate up to 20 additional NBA Referees.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293662,00.html

[blindzebra1]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Report: Donaghy set to implicate up to 20 additional NBA Referees.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293662,00.html

Damm,if this is true,it would make the soccer scandal seem like a office betting pool

[Brad]

Originally Posted by blindzebra1

Damm,if this is true,it would make the soccer scandal seem like a office betting pool

"The specifics of the gambling allegations are reportedly believed to include betting in casinos, which referees are banned from doing by NBA regulations."

If all he can do is name other NBA officials that have played blackjack or craps in a casino, this is a non-story. Sure, the NBA prohibits their officials from visiting casinos, but that is not illegal and is nothing compared to the allegations that Donaghy faces.

FYI -- Donaghy's guilty plea and other information at the Smoking Gun

[UMP25]

We shall see, as time will, indeed, tell.

P.S. Hello to The Woodlands, Brad. I was just there earlier this month visiting my brother and his family. My nephew turns 6 today and I went down for his birthday and vacation. I'm down there every couple months and will return second weekend in November for my niece's birthday. You wouldn't happen to know any big-wigs in the Conroe Independent School District, would you, particularly The Woodlands High School or College Park High School?

[TXMike]

Originally Posted by Brad

"The specifics of the gambling allegations are reportedly believed to include betting in casinos, which referees are banned from doing by NBA regulations."

If all he can do is name other NBA officials that have played blackjack or craps in a casino, this is a non-story. Sure, the NBA prohibits their officials from visiting casinos, but that is not illegal and is nothing compared to the allegations that Donaghy faces.

FYI -- Donaghy's guilty plea and other information at the Smoking Gun

How is it a non-story?!?!?!!?!? If he names all those refs and they admit or are proven by NBA to have violated the NBA rules don't you think the NBA would be under incredible pressure to dump them??? The story would be the huge turnover in officials in the NBA next season.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by TXMike

How is it a non-story?!?!?!!?!? If he names all those refs and they admit or are proven by NBA to have violated the NBA rules don't you think the NBA would be under incredible pressure to dump them??? The story would be the huge turnover in officials in the NBA next season.

I would expect them to be fined or disciplined but not dumped. 20 refs from the NBA gone all at once? I seriously doubt it. If betting in casinos is really the only infraction. It's at least possible that Donaghy is using this plus the guilty plea to just save some shred of dignity. The NBA may blow it up big to help him save dignity, but I seriously doubt they'd really dump that many refs.

[TXMike]

I don't recall a crisis in confidence in NBA officiating in my lifetime that matches this. It is at times like this when institutional leaders sometimes make dramatic changes in an attempt to make it seem they are truly making changes. All I am saying is that it is not beyond the pale to consider they might make such a drastic decision. It is not unheard of you know. (remember all the past labor actions by pro officials in various sports where the respective leagues went with replacements?)

[blindzebra1]

[quote=rainmaker]I would expect them to be fined or disciplined but not dumped. 20 refs from the NBA gone all at once? I seriously doubt it. If betting in casinos is really the only infraction. It's at least possible that Donaghy is using this plus the guilty plea to just save some shred of dignity. The NBA may blow it up big to help him save dignity, but I seriously doubt they'd really dump that many refs.



I AGREE WITH RAINMAKER,THE PRESSURE ON THE COMMISH WOULD BE TREMENDOUS,HEADS MAY ROLL,BUT NOT THAT MANY, IT WOULD ONLY WORSTEN THE NBA`S IMAGE. BUT THE PENALTIES,WOULD BE SEVERE.AND OF COURSE REMEMBER, THIS WAS NOT BETTING ON GAMES.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by Brad

"The specifics of the gambling allegations are reportedly believed to include betting in casinos, which referees are banned from doing by NBA regulations."

If all he can do is name other NBA officials that have played blackjack or craps in a casino, this is a non-story. Sure, the NBA prohibits their officials from visiting casinos, but that is not illegal and is nothing compared to the allegations that Donaghy faces.

FYI -- Donaghy's guilty plea and other information at the Smoking Gun

Also, let's wait for an investigation by the NBA to pan out. This guy may just be naming names to try to take down the ship with him. If these NBA refs really were in any casinos, there's going to be videotape of it.