Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he bet on NBA games today.
Donaghy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information to other individuals. The charges together could result in a prison term of up to 25 years.
Donaghy must also pay a $500,000 fine and at least $30,000 in restitution.
I guess the only positive to arise from this mess is the fact that Don-a-gie truly appears to be – as David Stern famously called him – a rogue, isolated criminal. No other referee or player is suspected in the scandal. So, no matter what Bill Simmons and other mouth-breathing columnists may tell you, one idiot ref does not represent the tipping point in the NBA’s ultimate demise.
Thankfully, we can now focus our attention on the really important things in the League; you know, like Drew Gooden’s hair.
