Jul 20, 2007 12:30 pm US/Eastern
FBI Probes Whether NBA Ref Bet On Games
NEW YORK (CBS News) ―
The FBI is investigating allegations that a veteran NBA referee bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones in which he officiated, according to a law enforcement official.
Among other things, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered. The law enforcement official, who spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity, said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges.
The probe, which began recently, also involves allegations that the referee had connections to organized crime associates. Other arrests are expected, the official said.
According to the official, the referee had a gambling problem and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.
The law enforcement official, who did not identify the referee, said the bets involved thousands of dollars and were made on games during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.
The law enforcement is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly about it because of the ongoing investigation.
The NBA issued a brief statement Friday: "We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."
The existence of the investigation was first disclosed Friday by the New York Post, which reported that the specific games allegedly affected by the referee's actions and the amount of money possibly won by him and his affiliates are unknown.
NBA Commissioner David Stern is aware of the investigation and has a report about the referee on his desk, a source told the newspaper.
Veteran oddsmaker John Avello, at the Wynn resort on the Las Vegas Strip, said that without specific information it would be difficult to identify wagering irregularities over the last two seasons.
"At this point, it's too early to know if any games were affected," Avello said, adding that no regulators or investigators had contacted him about the case.
Gambling long has been a problem in sports, and leagues have made a point of educating players of the potential pitfalls. The NBA, for example, discusses gambling at rookie orientation, even bringing in former mobster Michael Franceze to speak.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
