Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy was supposed to release a tell-all book next month. The release has been postponed indefinitely -- the folks at Random House pulled the release after receiving a strongly-worded memo from David Stern's lawyers. Fortunately, the guys at Deadspin.com generally don't take lawsuit threats all that seriously; they've obtained a copy of Donaghy's book, and published some of the juiciest accusations.
Fast-forwarding to the good parts:
While still in the locker room before tip-off, we would make a wager on which of us would call the game's first foul. That referee would either have to pay the ball boy or pick up the dinner tab for the other two referees.
Over the years, I have reviewed many recorded hours of video involving Raja Bell. The footage I analyzed usually illustrated fouls being called against Bell, rarely for him. The message was subtle but clear-call fouls against the star stopper because he's hurting the game.
...veteran referee Steve Javie hated Allen Iverson and was loathe [sic] to give him a favorable call. If Javie was on the court when Iverson was playing, I would always bet on the other team to win or at least cover the spread. No matter how many times Iverson hit the floor, he rarely saw the foul line.
The 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings presents a stunning example of game and series manipulation at its ugliest.
If you'd like to see every negative thing ever said about the NBA and its officials -- star treatment of certain players driven by the league's marketing goals, personal likes and dislikes impacting how games are called, "makeup" calls, even referees getting instructions to give certain big-name teams an advantage in the playoffs -- it's all there.
Consider the source as you're reading. Selling his story is just about the only way for Tim Donaghy to earn money at this point -- companies aren't rushing to hire convicted felons known for illegal gambling and unsavory associations. But even if half what he's saying is true, this is damning.
Comments
D stern has never played a game of basketball in his life. The beancounter has destroyed the credibility of the game. He should be tarred and feathered. (The scumbag)
It’s no coincidence that the only growing demographic for pro basketball , is the kids who grew up watching pro wrestling.
Professional basketball is all theater. (Smoke and mirrors)