NBA Gambling Scandal Continues

The nightmare continues. On Tuesday, in a move clearly designed to cover their collective asses, the NBA selected former federal prosecutor Lawrence B. Pedowitz to spearhead a review of their policies regarding gambling.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that this is all fallout from the Tim Donaghy scandal. Donaghy, of course, was the NBA referee nabbed by the feds for trying to fix games on behalf of organized crime. Seems that Timmy was in debt to the mob and was looking for a way to get out of the hole. Besides making calls to influence the outcome of games, Donaghy himself also wagered on games that he was officiating - a clear no-no in the regime of David Stern. I just hope he used a reliable sports book like Bodog.

HAPPY HANUKKAH

Pedowitz is a partner in the New York law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz. When they’re not listening to Adam Sandler comedy albums (just kidding), they’ll study the league’s anti-gambling efforts and review the methods used to hire and monitor the referees.

According to commissioner David Stern, “There is nothing as important as the integrity of our game and the covenant we have with our fans. In order to preserve their trust, we will make every effort possible to ensure that our processes and procedures are the best they can be.”

MORE REFS IN HOT WATER?

Last week, it was reported by ESPN Radio that Donaghy would name up to 20 other refs who also took part in gambling activity, although this doesn’t mean that they fixed games. NBA refs are barred from any type of gambling….uh, except for horse racing, that it (can someone explain that one to me?). In fact, they can go to a casino, but they are not allowed to be in the gaming areas.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

What amazes me is how the NBA has lucked into so little coverage on this issue. Between Barry Bonds’ chase of the record and Michael Vick’s war on dogs, Donaghy’s activities have somewhat slipped under the radar.

What’s worse when you really think about it? A guy strangling dogs, or a man who is putting large sums of money into the pockets of the mafia? It could be argued that the money Donaghy earned for the mob went on to fund such unsavory things as drug dealing and prostitution.

But I guess PETA doesn’t get quite as worked up over such trivial matters.

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NBA Gambling Scandal Continues