Aug 15, 2007, 16:15 GMT
Brooklyn, NY - Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy turned himself in to authorities Wednesday morning and pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a gambling scandal involving his wagering on games he officiated.
Donaghy appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to felony charges of conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting gambling information through interstate commerce.
U.S. District Court Judge Carol Bagley Amon heard the plea. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison -- 20 years for the first charge and five for the second.
Donaghy was released on a $250,000 bond. He is next due in court on November 9 for sentencing.
NBA commissioner David Stern released a statement following the proceedings.
'As expected, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty today to betting on NBA games, including games in which he officiated, and providing confidential information to others who bet on NBA games,' Stern's statement read.
'We will continue with our ongoing and thorough review of the league's officiating program to ensure that the best possible policies and procedures are in place to protect the integrity of our game.'
The gambling allegations were first reported last month in a New York Post story, sending shockwaves through the NBA and the sports world.
Donaghy, according to the story, fell into debt with bookies alleged to have ties with organized crime in New York. The veteran official was then alleged to have made calls to affect the outcome of the games he worked during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons -- ensuring that the referee and those involved with the scam profited from the result.
The FBI, which was investigating organized crime gambling, informed the NBA in June of Donaghy's alleged involvement.
Stern said last month the FBI asked the league not to take immediate action for fear of hindering the investigation.
Donaghy, according to Stern, resigned on July 9 -- more than a week before the story broke in the Post.
At a press conference last month, Stern called it 'the most serious situation and worst situation that I have ever experienced -- either as a fan of the NBA, or as a lawyer for the NBA or as commissioner of the NBA.'
Stern said during the last two seasons Donaghy officiated 139 regular-season games, eight playoff games and four preseason games.
Gambling of any kind, other than horse racing in the offseason, is prohibited for NBA officials.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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