Federal Defense Attorney John Teakell

With the NBA Playoff Finals in full swing, the league is now dealing with accusations that previous playoff games were tainted by referees fixing the outcomes. In a document filed in federal court on June 10, 2008, the attorneys of Tim Donaghy made the claim that a number of NBA referees were in cahoots with each other by altering games. The news leaves many wondering if Donaghy is being truthful just how many games were affected by rogue referees.

The Federal Investigation

Donaghy is a former professional basketball referee who worked in the NBA for 13 seasons from 1994 to 2007. He resigned from the league on July 9, 2007 after the FBI conducted an investigation into allegations that he bet on games which he officiated. Information also surfaced that he made calls affecting the point spread of games. Donaghy was eventually charged by federal prosecutors for a number of crimes related to the FBI investigation.

On August 15, 2007, Donaghy appeared in a Brooklyn federal court and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1084(a). During the plea colloquy, Donaghy informed the court that he would tip mafia members to players’ physical condition and player/referee relations. Donaghy also admitted that he had a severe gambling addiction, and is currently seeking treatment for the problem.

Donaghy Cooperates in hopes of receiving Leniency

Donaghy is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14, 2008, and faces up to 33 months in federal prison. However, his attorneys have made a deal with federal prosecutors in hopes of keeping the disgraced former ref out of prison. As part of the deal, Donaghy provided the FBI with information about colleagues who ignored NBA guidelines by wagering on games in casinos and on other sporting events. Donaghy also recently provided information to federal investigators claiming that NBA officials altered the outcomes of playoff series in 2002 and 2005.

Donaghy proffered the information in hopes of having prosecutors file a motion for a time reduction under the federal sentencing guideline Chapter §5K1.1. In a letter filed in Brooklyn federal court outlining Donaghy’s cooperation, assistant U.S. attorneys Jeffrey Goldberg noted to the court that Donaghy had in fact provided substantial assistance which had been valuable to the government’s investigation.

NBA Declines Widespread Misconduct amongst Refs

Shortly after news related to the document filed by Donaghy’s attorneys broke, NBA Commissioner David Stern denied that other NBA officials were involved. Stern hinted at the fact that Donaghy is now a convicted felon and he was merely biding to stay out of prison. “This is part of his desperate attempt to lighten the sentence that will be imposed for his criminal conduct. The NBA remains vigilant in protecting the integrity of our game and has fully cooperated with the government at every stage of its investigation. The only criminal activity uncovered is Mr. Donaghy’s”, Stern said.

If you or a family member have been accused of gambling, contact gambling charges defense attorney John Teakell.