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Blogging the sports world with Steve Campbell

Has NBA been dealing dirty from bottom of deck?


Disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy alleges or confirms, depending on the perspective, what many onlookers have insisted is true.

Some NBA playoff series are about as much on the up-and-up as World Wrestling Federation matches and banana-republic elections.

In a letter filed in court through his attorney, Donaghy said the NBA not-so-subtly encouraged referees to influence the results of playoff games.

One of the scenarios laid out in Donaghy’s letter matches the Rockets’ 2005 first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Then-Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said he had been told by an NBA executive that officials would be watching for moving screens. Van Gundy was fined $100,000 for not revealing the source of his information.

Donaghy also charged that officials manipulated the 2002 Western Conference Finals to go seven games. Game 6 was one of those that had every conspiracy theorist shouting — convincingly — “I told you so!” If a Sacramento King so much as looked a Los Angles Laker askance, Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O’Neal was taking a trip to the foul-line. The Lakers had a 40-25 advantage in free-throw attempts and pulled out a 106-102 victory that forced Game 7.

The NBA disputes the charges, saying Donaghy is simply trying to get a lighter sentence after having pled guilty

to felony charges of betting on games and taking cash payoffs from gamblers in exchange for providing privileged information. He faces up to 33 months in prison.

“According to Mr. Donaghy, all of his allegations have previously been made to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney, and they are clearly being disclosed now as part of his desperate attempt to lighten the sentence that will be imposed for his criminal conduct,” NBA executive vice president and general counsel Richard Buchanan said. “The NBA remains vigilant in protecting the integrity of our game and has fully cooperated with the government at every stage of its investigation.”

Who do you believe, the convicted felon or the league that has so much credibility at stake?

Rockets fans, do Donaghy’s assertions give you any sense of vindication that you weren’t crazy thinking your team was getting the short end of the officiating stick? Or does it just make you even more spitting mad than you were at the time?

NBA fans at large, did you think at the time — as I did — that Kings got jobbed either out or incompetence or corruption? How does having an official corroborate some of the conspiracy theories make you feel about investing time, money and loyalty in the NBA?

Does this make you want to turn away from the NBA? Or does life go on until the next time your team can’t get a call in a big game?

Oh, and what I’d give for the uncensored thoughts of Rick Adelman, who coached that 2002 Sacramento team.

Categories: General
Steve Campbell