Sixers-Celtics and Tim Donaghy

I have nothing insightful to add to this post, other than to point out that the Sixers have now become a tangential part of the Tim Donaghy story. When I first saw this story, I also thought I had been at the game in question, but then I re-read it and realized this was the game in Philadelphia. I attended the game in Boston between the Sixers and Celtics that took place the week after this one.

Via Truehoop:

Shira Springer of the Boston Globe: "The events surrounding a Dec. 13, 2006, game between the Celtics and 76ers in Philadelphia raised the suspicion of investigators. According to the indictment, Donaghy 'spoke with a coconspirator by telephone regarding his pick for an NBA game' Dec. 13. The next day, Donaghy met with coconspirators in Pennsylvania and 'received a cash payment.' Donaghy received payments for as much as $5,000 for correct picks and nothing for incorrect picks. Donaghy officiated the game between Boston and Philadelphia along with Matt Boland and Derrick Stafford. It was not a game that would automatically raise suspicion, though Donaghy admitted relaying information regarding the officiating crews assigned games, the interaction between certain officials and players, and the health of players. According to the Associated Press, the pointspread moved 2 points before the game was taken off the board as Boston went from a 1 1/2-point to a 3 1/2-point favorite. The Celtics defeated Philadelphia, 101-81. The over-under line was 194 points. The blowout came with Allen Iverson sidelined as the Sixers pursued a trade for him. Danny Ainge, the Celtics' executive director of basketball operations, declined to comment on the possibility of a Boston game being affected by the scandal." In Brian Mahoney's account of the proceedings for the Associated Press, Mahoney writes: "A person close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing, said the payment was for a successful tip on the 76ers-Celtics game." Here is the play-by-play of that game.

Tim Donaghy- Already a forgotten man

The ref scandal broke before I stopped posting (bar exam, vacation) almost two weeks ago. The first reports were definitely breathless--it's the end of the NBA! No one will watch the NBA anymore! The sky is falling! And I certainly thought it was a big deal. But now, only two weeks later, I need to say, "Who cares?"

After the first day or two, I don't think I've had a conversation with anyone about it. Barring evidence that a number of other referees were also involved or that Donaghy really did throw a playoff game, I don't think anyone is really going to care once the new season rolls around. You don't let one bad apple ruin the barrel, or whatever old maxim you want to use. Anyway, I thought I'd pick back up where I left off, but I doubt I'll be talking much about the Donaghy matter from here on out unless something really crazy happens.

On to more fun topics...like the big Kevin Garnett trade that happened while I was away!