Believe It Or Not - Thursday, June 12, 2008
355 Views :: 0 Comments ::  :: Michael Bradley It was hardly a coincidence that former NBA ref Tim Donaghy chose the league's biggest show -- the Finals -- to make public his claims that he wasn't the only person influencing the outcomes of games. According to Donaghy, the league has a much bigger problem than a "rogue" official protecting his own gambling interests by using inside information (and a little of his own magic) to win bets. Donaghy wants maximum exposure for his side, figuring the more people who consider his story plausible, the better chance he'll avoid real jail time for his sins. It's a tried and true strategy, and while it may not have any real effect on Donaghy's future, it has thrown the NBA's credibility into question once again. No matter how vehemently commissioner David Stern and his aides deny the allegations and impugn Dongahy's reputation, there is some meat here on which fans can chew. Anyone who has ever watched an NBA game with a ridiculous disparity in foul calls and trips to the free throw line has had to wonder whether or not there was something a little crazy going on. Yes, some nights are simply wipeouts, with one team more rested, more talented or just hotter. That would explain a big edge in shooting percentage, rebounding or other statistical categories. But fouls? That has something to do with the refs, whether Stern wants to admit it or not. Take Game Two of these Finals between Boston and L.A. The Celtics shot 38 free throws to the Lakers' 10. That's incredible, and it can't be explained away by saying the Celts went inside more, and the Lakers' interior players, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, play as tough as Richard Simmons. That was a contributing factor, but not enough to warrant a 28-shot disparity. That it happened in Boston makes it smell even worse. Did the league, figuring the Celtics have been wretched on the road during the post-season (2-8 after Tuesday's loss) figure they needed some help? Don't be so naive to believe the NBA isn't capable of such manipulation Sports is no longer a truly competitive pursuit. It's about corporate interests. Watch a half-hour of Finals coverage, and that becomes painfully clear. Since recent Finals ratings have been wretched, wouldn't one imagine the league is interested in beefing up the numbers? One way is to have a Boston-L.A. series. Another way is to make it go six or seven games. After all Donaghy has done, it's tough to believe anything he says. For all we know, he's from Jupiter or something. But when he starts pointing fingers at the league regarding the chance that games' outcomes have been influenced by outside forces, we have to listen. No one in business is perfect, and that includes the NBA. |