Tim Donaghy was born in 1967, is a referee with many years of experience in the NBA, he refereed 13 NBA seasons from 1994 to 2007. During his career, Donaghy has refereed 772 group stage matches and 20 Playoffs matches.

On July 9, 2007, he decided to retire at the age of 40. That was quite surprising information because Tim Donaghy was still young and he could stick with this job much longer. It was clear that being an NBA referee was his job. not only bringing in money but also a name for anyone.

It was not until July 23, 2007 that people realized why this referee made such a hasty decision. Because that was the day the New York Post announced information that shocked America: The FBI was investigating a referee who regularly bet on NBA matches, Tim Donaghy.

It was a real shock to not only NBA fans, this information also shocked the country. Because until now, American sports history has never witnessed a bigger scandal than the case named Tim Donaghy.

Just one day after the press published the information, NBA commissioner David Stern had to hold a press conference to address questions from the media: “Tim Donaghy is an isolated case, this is a serious situation.” and the worst I have ever experienced!”, the NBA executive could not hide his shock.

This case was so shocking that US Congressman Bobby Rush even wrote a letter requesting an NBA hearing for this case. Ultimately that didn’t happen as Tim Donaghy bowed his head and pleaded guilty.

On August 15, 2007, more than a month after deciding to retire, Tim Donaghy, faced with irrefutable evidence from the FBI, had to plead guilty. And since then, a series of shocking information has come to light.

Tim Donaghy admitted that he is a very serious gambler. Because he lost too much money, this referee started participating in betting from 2005 to 2007. With expertise, special relationships with players and coaches. ,… Tim Donaghy sent information to the bookmaker to collect $30,000.

In addition, this referee also sent information to his close high school friend to help him continuously bet on winning NBA matches, in exchange for each match Tim Donaghy will be paid a commission of $2,000 in cash.

During his detention, Tim Donaghy, through his lawyer, suddenly accused the NBA of overlooking some malicious foul situations, with the aim of prolonging the Playoffs matches to collect more ticket money and television rights. image. That information caused the NBA’s reputation to seriously decline.

2 weeks after pleading guilty, Tim Donaghy appeared in court and received a sentence of 15 months in prison and 36 months of house arrest. During his time in prison, this referee released an autobiography titled Personal Foul,  which continued to create an effect across the United States when many internal affairs and scandals of the NBA were revealed.

On November 4, 2009, Tim Donaghy was released from prison. He said he felt humiliated and embarrassed when he was caught in prison. Later, despite receiving many invitations to participate in television shows, Donaghy refused them all to choose a life in the “dark”!