NBA Scandal

The investigation continues into an alleged NBA gambling scandal involving veteran referee Tim Donaghy. NBA Commissioner David Stern spoke to the press Tuesday morning about the scandal, and told fans the sport of pro ball is in tact. Donaghy resigned from the NBA in early July, just a few weeks after Donaghys lawyer and the FBI informed the NBA one of its own was under investigation. "I feel betrayed by what happened on behalf of the sport," Stern says. Stern is speaking publicly for the first time about a federal investigation into whether former NBA referee Donaghy participated in a betting and point-shaving scheme. "This is the most serious situation, and worst situation that I have ever experienced," Stern says. Stern acknowledged the allegations have raised doubts about the integrity of professional basketball. He also assured fans this is an isolated incident in a sport where referees are highly trained, the policies are crystal clear. "That referees may not either gamble on our games, or provide information to anyone about those games," Stern explains. The FBI is investigating just that: whether Donaghy made questionable calls at games he officiated during the last two seasons, bet on those games and offered privileged information to other gamblers. The commissioner said the NBA is helping any way it can. "We are the process of being vetted in a very thorough way, and I can tell you that that is something that we have welcomed," Stern says. Fans also welcome a thorough investigation into a sport they consider sacred. "The NBA always seemed the one that was most removed from any type of scandal. It suprises me that an NBA referee would be accused of this," says fan Ron Creatore. A violation of trust the NBA says it will work hard to repair. Formal charges in the case have not been filed yet, but Donaghy is expected to turn himself into federal authorities here in New York by the end of the week.