Gambling charges hit NBA

New York City

The National Basketball Association was rocked last week by allegations that a referee had bet on games, including some at which he’d officiated. The FBI confirmed that it was investigating whether Tim Donaghy, 40, bet on games and possibly made calls to influence their outcomes. They also wanted to know if he was colluding with organized crime figures. NBA Commissioner David Stern called the case “the most serious and worst situation” in his tenure, but insisted that Donaghy was a “rogue, isolated criminal.” Officials said Donaghy has “a gambling problem” and was approached by “low-level” mob associates. Donaghy, a 13-year veteran referee, is expected to turn himself in to authorities, accept a plea bargain on gambling charges, and cooperate with investigators.