Government details Donaghy’s dark legacy

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy bet on about 14 games he officiated in the 2006-07 season, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Goldberg said in a letter filed Friday in Brooklyn Federal Court.

“In the Spring of 2003, Donaghy provided picks for games he refereed on only two-three occasions,” Goldberg wrote. “Over the next three full seasons [2003-2004, 2004-2005, and 2005-2006], however, Donaghy bet on numerous games that he worked.

“The government’s investigation revealed that Donaghy provided picks for anywhere from 30 to 40 such games for each of those three seasons. During the 2006-2007 season (the time period charged in the information), Donaghy bet on approximately 30 games, including about 14 games that he refereed.”

Donaghy pleaded guilty last year to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce. The referee said he made NBA bets for four years, even wagering on games he worked. He also admitted recommending bets to high-stakes gamblers and collecting $5,000 if his picks hit.

Donaghy is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. By law, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

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A hard shot to David West’s ailing back finished him for the fourth quarter of the Hornets’ blowout loss at San Antonio in Game 6.

But the Hornets’ All-Star forward was back at practice Saturday in preparation for Monday’s decisive Game. 7.

That was a relief to teammates.

“If you come to practice and one of your best players is hurt, and you see him out here getting some shots up, that’s the sign of a warrior,” Hornets guard Morris Peterson said.