We begin with the Lakers making their comeback in the series yesterday by beating Boston 87-81, on an MVP performance by Mr. Bryant. However, today will continue being a saddening day in the history of the world, as ex-referee Tim Donaghy, who is facing up to 25 years in a federal prison for fixing NBA games, reveals to investigators dirty secrets about referees fixing playoff series's in the years 2002 and 2005. Donaghy was told if he cooperated with officials, he would have a shorter sentence, so the NBA was not surprised at Donaghy making this statement out of desperation. Donaghy stated the series in 2002, was a 7 game series, the only series that year that actually went 7 games was The Sacramento Kings Vs The Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers who ended up winning this series, were down 3-2, and it was almost certain The Kings would be victorious until a foul-filled 4th quarter in which the Lakers outscored the Kings 34-18 at the foul line led to a Lakers win, which would eventually result in the Lakers taking the series.
Donaghy then stated in 2005, officials were targeting 1 player. Jeff Van Gundy, manager of the Houston Rockets at the time, currently an ESPN analyst, said another referee had informed him that they were targeting Yao Ming. Donaghy also stated that the NBA had told referees to never call fouls that would result in a foul out to star players due to publicity. The NBA denies all the allegations, but the sports nation, and some of the players are not at all happy with this. I believe we will need some serious investigation into the case, and in a couple days, more information might surface on the matter.
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