FBI probes NBA ref for fixing games
July 20, 2007 — The FBI is investigating an NBA referee for allegedly betting on games, including ones he was officiating, as part of a probe of organized crime in New York City. The investigation has been ongoing for the past year, and the suspected ref may have been involved in making calls that would have affected the point spread in games during the past two seasons.
The investigation will determine if the NBA referee was wagering with illegal gambling bookies who may have used him to call games for fixed payoffs.
A law enforcement official told the Associated Press, on the condition of anonymity, that the referee is aware of the investigation and plans to turn himself into authorities next week.
The NBA declined comment on the story, issuing only a brief statement: “We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time.”
The federal probe is expected to result in the arrests of the referee, as well as a number of others involved who are suspected of organized crime activity relating to the fixed games.
Reports indicate that the referee may have been struggling with a gambling problem, had fallen into debt, and thus had become involved with the illegal bookies.
NBA Commissioner David Stern is said to be aware of the probe and has reviewed a full report of the FBI’s investigation of the suspected referee.
The New York Post first broke the story on Friday.
