Commissioner Stern & NBA Negligent & Incompetent In Tim Donaghy Ref Scandal

Right now, fans, journalists, and even NBA players are pulling a Magnum PI, researching what games dirty ref Tim Donaghy might have influenced.

This is understandable. Everyone wants to figure out how The Godfather used a ref to compromise the integrity of the NBA. But, while everyone is playing detective, two major points have been overlooked.

First, the NBA looks incompetent because they praised Donaghy’s recent work as an official. They even rewarded him with key playoff games, some of which-like game 3 in the Western Conference semi-finals between the Suns and Spurs-have come under scrutiny. The league looks foolish for their endorsement of Donaghy. As scary as it seems, they saw him as one of their up-and-coming refs.

Second, the NBA had an idea Donaghy wagered heavily on sports. But, even with all their resources, they were unable to find proof. In the end, they let him continue as a ref-even though they were aware of the risk Donaghy posed. This is unacceptable. The NBA is negligent in this scandal.

Best case scenario- the NBA is incompetent. Worst case scenario- the NBA is negligent for missing the warning signs with Donaghy. And the blame will soon be placed on Commissioner Stern and the suits at head office.

Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.