Stern dismisses Donaghy claims

Disgraced referee Tim Donaghy told investigators in the NBA betting probe that relationships among officials, coaches and players "affected the outcome of games," his attorney said. The league Tuesday called the charges unfounded.

John F. Lauro, Donaghy's attorney, made the assertions in a letter filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. He argued his client should be sentenced to probation because he cooperated with prosecutors and is being treated for his gambling addiction.

Lauro also suggested Donaghy, scheduled to be sentenced July 14, told investigators about the gambling activities of other NBA officials.

Commissioner David Stern dismissed the comments.

"When the facts come out, those assertions will prove to be baseless," he said.

[tomas]

Last time I checked, no matter what the "crime" at hand is that you can cooperate but that doesnt really mean anything unless its in writing, so is it? Does he have anything to back this with or just grasping around here?

Stern is an idiot. He's ruining the NBA, it needs help IMO. As for DOnahey or whatever his name is, he's just got MOB connections probably, the truth will ALL come out one day I"m sure.

[Mike0715]

Ex-NBA ref Donaghy deserves probation, lawyers say - USATODAY.com

Interesting how "inside information" pops up just before the sentencing. Though I'm not surprised that there is more gambling going on than this one person.

[tomas]

Your quite right both of you. I have no doubt there is some type of hand shakes going on that we cant see or wont learn about for a long time to come. Hand shakes, ass kissing same thing really but yes its not all on the up and up.

[shake-n-break]

"Inside information" always seems to come out right before the sentencing. I hate when I don't know exactly what the sentencing is going to be because they are just so unpredictable.

[Mike0715]

We'll have to wait until July. While cooperation, therapy, gambling-addiction treatment, and contributions to the community might help him get less than the 25 years, I think seeing just how much his information helps is what might lessen the sentence.

[jonas]

Its great if a narc really can do what they say but most times they are looking out for #1. I'm still with the tradition that when you play a bad role you deserve the consequences that come with it.

[chuck]

So if he doesnt pull all the stops and tell them what they want to know, what would be his sentence then? I am always curious how they decide what to knock off for telling the tidbits.

[Nickolas]

We have to wait until July 14 to see what they slap him with? Why do famous people almost always get away with stuff? I always groan when "inside information" comes out because where was all this information in the beginning?