Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, whose own gambling scandal rocked the league years ago, believes the recent federal arrests involving high-profile NBA personalities represent just a small piece of what could become a much larger corruption puzzle—one that might reach deep into college athletics.
Current Arrests May Be Just the Start, Donaghy Warns
Speaking with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation’s “Cuomo,” Donaghy didn’t mince words about the federal charges recently filed against Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cavaliers player-turned-assistant Damon Jones. What we’re seeing now is “the tip of the iceberg,” he insisted, pointing toward college sports as the next likely battleground.
The ex-official painted a troubling picture of young athletes facing uncertain futures. “These kids who realize they won’t make it to the pros—they’re looking at ways to provide for their families,” Donaghy said. “Someone approaches them about shaving points or keeping margins close, and suddenly that looks like easy money.”
Donaghy’s Own Fall From Grace
Donaghy speaks from experience, though not the kind anyone would want. His 13-year NBA officiating career ended in disgrace when a 2007 FBI investigation exposed his involvement in a betting scheme that netted him roughly $300,000. He admitted to providing inside information to bookmakers, pleading guilty to wire fraud and interstate wagering violations.
The former referee served 11 months of a 15-month prison sentence, later claiming he’d been pressured into the scheme by members of the Gambino crime family. His case remains one of the most damaging scandals in NBA history.
Massive Federal Sweep Nets Dozens
The current investigation, which FBI Director Kash Patel described as “mind-boggling,” resulted in more than 30 arrests across 11 states. The sweep targeted associates from four different New York mafia families in what authorities say was an extensive illegal gambling operation.
Two separate indictments emerged from the investigation. One focused on an illegal sports betting ring that allegedly trafficked insider information, while the other targeted rigged poker games with apparent organized crime connections.
Chauncey Billups faces charges related to the poker ring, while Terry Rozier got caught up in the sports betting side, specifically allegations involving prop bet manipulation. Damon Jones appears in both investigations, suggesting his involvement may have been more extensive.
College Sports Face New Gambling Pressures
Donaghy’s concerns about college athletics take on extra weight given upcoming rule changes. Starting November 1, college athletes will be permitted to place bets on professional sports—a significant policy reversal that many experts worry could create new corruption opportunities.
The timing seems particularly problematic as legal sports betting continues expanding nationwide. With more money flowing through legitimate channels, the potential for illegal manipulation grows, especially in amateur sports where oversight may be less rigorous than in professional leagues.
Federal authorities show no signs of slowing their crackdown on criminal gambling enterprises, particularly those with ties to professional sports figures. The recent arrests included alleged members of the Bonanno and Lucchese crime families, professional poker players accused of rigging games, and multiple NBA-connected individuals caught up in various gambling schemes.
