Breach of Duty-Referees Betting?

A referee is defined as an official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and (in some sports) to arbitrate on matters arising from the play. Their ruling or “calling” plays such a vital role in the sports industry to the point of determining whether a team wins or lose a game and more importantly, a championship. Therefore, the million-dollar question is: while the officials are watching the players, who are watching the officials? Apparently no one, of course there is the National Basketball Referees Association. However, there have been some issues that even the NBRA have missed over the years. One of the main concerns that have been slightly swept under the rug is referee participating in betting or being paid to throw games. It is well known that this type of behavior is going on. However, it wasn’t until the Tim Donaghy incident in 2007 that the dusk hidden under the rug was revealed.

It was discovered that Donaghy a 10-year veteran referee for the National Basketball Association, provided inside information to illegal gamblers and mobsters about the condition of certain players and the tendencies of referees who were officiating games (Baldassari, 2011). After an investigation was conducted, Tim Donaghy actually pleaded guilty to the charges and later sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. This scandal left many people weary, especially those in the NBA about the hidden agendas of referees. During a court filing, Donaghy exposed how much of a liability this issue could be to the industry. He stated that the league was using referees to boost ticket sales and television ratings. In particularly the 2002-playoff series between the Lakers and the Kings, it was alleged that some referees that Donaghy knew were going to make the playoff a seven series game (Lavin, 2008). Although there has never been any evidences to prove this allegations. This type of accusations can push an already unstable relationship between athletes and officials to the edge.

After the scandal, there were indeed some changes that a few may say affected the players more than the referees.  “Respect the game,” is a new policy that the NBA has implemented. Under this new rule, players in no shape or form can verbally or physically disrespect or show unsportsmanlike conduct towards an official after a referee has made a particular call. The policy is designed to keep players emotions in check on the court, which has given many referees the opportunity to call fouls. The players were livid about the new policy because they feel as if the game is emotional and it is difficult to compose their facial and body gestures. The referees also experience a few changes such as, the NBRA giving more training on the serious of gambling. Nothing as drastic has the players received. Which makes one wonder if the NBA put the referees "above the law?"

I am well aware that not every official is corrupt, but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch. It is my belief that all leagues need to take a close look at the calls and activities of referees. The executives are always scrutinizing every wrong move player’s make, which in my opinion allows referees to have the opportunity to facilitate this type of behavior without being caught. By everyone observing which player is selling their jersey or taking more from scouts. They’re missing illegal activity right under their nose.  This type of behavior can lead to many issues for the leagues. For instances, championships could be given to the wrong team. When too many fouls are called, this brings an intense atmosphere on the court among athlete, official, and fan that could lead to violence. Let’s not forget that it’s breaking the law. There are so many rules and regulations that players have to comply with; in addition to hefty fines attached if they violated those rules. It is time that referees have a similar polices as the players. I'm not saying this would completely abolish the problem. However, it will show the public and players that the league does not consider the referee to be above the law. If the league doesn’t take this issue more seriously, there will be many more Donaghy cases to come.

-The Sportsnista '95

Picture Reference:

Gambling 911. (2011). Tim Donaghy. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?q=tim+donaghy&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1071&bih=587&tbm=isch&tbnid=_AddB_dg8tGlsM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gambling911.com/basketball-odds/disgraced-gambling-ref-tim-donaghy-appear-vegas-insider-radio-051211.html&docid=KdgAjPfVyZ4WHM&w=400&h=300&ei=xNpPTrHdF4-ctwew4dGgBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=493&vpy=232&dur=693&hovh=155&hovw=206&tx=147&ty=61&page=1&tbnh=121&tbnw=161&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0

Native Americans. Retrieved from http://ed101.bu.edu/StudentDoc/current/ED101fa09/mtivey/Incorrect%202.html