Chinese language - NBA commissioner takes match-fixing as an isolated case

Sports / Basketball

NBA commissioner takes match-fixing as an isolated case

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-25 11:30

WASHINGTON - NBA commissioner David Stern took the betting allegation of
NBA games as an isolated case on Tuesday, which he thought as devastating
the NBA and threatening the credibility of every referee.

A subdued Stern said he felt betrayed by former referee Tim Donaghy, the
target of a FBI investigation for allegedly betting on games, including
some he officiated, over the last two seasons.

Stern said he believed no other officials or players would be implicated
in the betting scandal.

Pausing often and carefully choosing his words during the packed, 1-hour,
10-minute news conference, Stern compared Donaghy to someone who's
committed treason.

"I feel betrayed by what happened on behalf of the sport, regardless of
how protective I've been," he said. "This is not something that is
anything other than an act of betrayal of what we know in sports as a
sacred trust."

Besides allegedly placing his own wagers, investigators also are
examining whether Donaghy provided inside information to others,
including referees' schedules, according to a person familiar with the
investigation.

The FBI first contacted the NBA on June 20 to talk about a referee
alleged to be gambling on games, and the two sides met on June 21, Stern
said. Donaghy resigned on July 9, though Stern said he would have fired
him sooner but was told it might affect the investigation.

Top Sports News 

� Iraqi fans stock up on petrol and ammunition

� Bucks keeping Yi hopes alive

� Peng powers through Bovina in Stanford Classic

� Stern blames 'rogue, isolated criminal'

� Liverpool suffer South China seizure

Today's Top News 

� 3G tech to help China build nuclear reactors

� Basic urban health insurance expanded

� Mainland stock market eyes huge IPOs

� US, Iranian envoys meet in Baghdad

� Peacekeeping - a rising role for China's PLA

Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours

Learn Chinese, Chinese language, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet