An article on ESPN describes the actions of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, after his "60 Minutes" interview on Sunday night. Donaghy as most of you will remember was the center of controversy after his involvement with gambling was revealed, in regards to NBA games. Donaghy, who was recently freed after a 15 month prison sentence for his part in the gambling scandal, has been on the circuit since his release, trying to mark it a tell-all book. However, Donaghy had his book pulled by the publisher due to liability reasons, and it now appears that he has turned towards other means in order to regain the National spotlight.
His "60 Minute" interview revealed many details that had not previously been released by investigators, or by the NBA, and appear to add a new spin to the controversy. Henry Abbott, writer for ESPN and author of Donaghy sticks with his story, described Donaghy as appearing "vague","combatant", "indignant", and "controversial" in his interview with "60 Minutes" but despite all those ill natured tendencies, Donaghy has stuck with his story. Donaghy claims that he never altered a game in which he wagered, and that he only placed bets based on the biases of other NBA referees. Although Donaghy's book was cancelled he did offer some telling information in his "60 Minute" interview. Making accusations of referee bias and favoritism against some of the top referees in the NBA, including Joey Crawford and Steve Javie.
In my opinion whatever Donaghy does next, the damage has already been done. Although his credibility is low, he still possesses the power to destroy the reputation of NBA officials at a point where the sports popularity is at a near all time high. His unethical decision to wager on the sport in which he worked has given David Stern an extremely large obstacle to overcome. Stern's actions, in regards to officiating, in the next couple of years will determine his legacy as a successful commissioner, and the future success of the NBA.
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Although it's most likely true, I think he messed up by confessing that refs have biases and show favoritism for different players. I think creates a huge negative image against not only NBA referees but also refs and officials in all sports. I also didn't like the fact that he revealed certain players that the refs specifically didn't like and were targeted more often for foul calls. These players included: Allen Iverson, Rasheed Wallace, Ron Artest, and Chauncey Billups. I don't know if the players knew these allegations before, but imagine how they would feel if they just found out recently that they were targeted by refs and that they weren't liked. Donaghy also admitted that the refs would make a "game" out of it by competing with one another to see who could give a technical the quickest to a certain player. I think this is a disgrace to the NBA and almost turns me off from watching it anymore knowing that it is not being officiated fairly.
ReplyDeleteThis kind of reminds me of the revelations that Jose Canseco made about steroids. At first, no one gave any credence to what he said, but in the end, he was vindicated. I hope that does not happen in this case!
ReplyDeleteAs a huge fan of the NBA, I surely hope all of the allegations Donaghy has asserted are not true. The NBA has a problem with officiating as it is. Further cases like Donaghy's could remove all credibility from the NBA, a league that I believe is on the rise and has limitless potential.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dr. Spencer on what she wrote. When he made his case initially, most people were appalled. But, over time, what Donaghy has alleged may just prove to be true, like in the case of Canseco and steroids in MLB, within the culture that is NBA officiating.