Projo Sports Blog

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES -- Lawyers for former NBA referee Tom Donaghy have released some of the information he’s given the FBI. In a letter sent to the sentencing court on behalf of Donaghy, he alleges that referees helped alter the outcome of some playoff series, including a 2002 matchup of the Lakers and Sacramento. The Lakers won the game, and the series.

Donaghy’s legal team is trying to demonstrate his cooperation with a federal government investigation before he is sentenced on July 14 on felony charges of taking cash payoffs from gamblers and betting on games himself.

Magic Johnson stopped briefly to meet with reporters last night and he scoffed at such an idea.

"I’ve been involved in this league for 30 years and I don’t see it,” said Johnson. “Last year David Stern’s guy, Lebron (James) made it to the Finals. His team got swept by San Antonio. Wouldn’t the NBA try to fix that one? I don’t see it.”

The NBA issued a statement on the Donaghy disclosures from Richard Buchanan, the league’s executive vice-president and general counsel, that read: "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. 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."

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