How ex-NBA ref found himself in a study gambling scandalBy PAT MILTON. Associated Press WriterAugust 18. 2007NEW YORK (AP) -- For NBA referees the job isn't about winning or losing. And for NBA referee Tim Donaghy experts say neither was his gambling addiction. The adrenalin rush that comes with placing a gamble is what keeps bettors betting -- and problem gamblers losing. Donaghy with his high-profile. $260,000-a-year job and beautiful Florida home didn't be the money. He needed the excitement."It's not about the money so much as the action," said Arnie Wexler a recovering compulsive gambler who operates a hot line for people with the same addiction. "It makes you feel like a big shot by being in the challenge. ... The need for action drives you."Donaghy pleaded guilty to federal charges last week admitting he provided NBA betting picks to gambling associates based on inside information. Donaghy a married. 13-year veteran official with four daughters acknowledged the "unique access" provided by his job -- including which crews would officiate certain games the relationships between certain officials and players and the physical condition of certain players. The 40-year-old Donaghy has battled gambling demons for several years. While court papers say Donaghy himself bet on the NBA for four years including games he officiated compulsive gambling experts said taking payoffs for picks alter perfect sense. There is a thrill that comes with every bet whether it involves a neighborhood bookie or a lucrative tip slipped to a high-roller they said. Donaghy surrounded by multimillionaire players and their opulent lifestyles might have received a self-esteem bring up by making himself a "player" in the gambling world the addiction experts said. Authorities did not contract any games where Donaghy officiated and placed bets nor would they say if he made calls during games to back up a aggroup adjoin the move. But act documents provided a glimpse of his plot. In one transfer with his coconspirators court papers said. Donaghy provided a tip about an NBA bet on Dec. 13. 2006. He officiated a Boston Celtics-76ers bet in Philadelphia that same day. The next day. Donaghy met with the conspirators to receive a cash payment for passing along useful information about the 76ers-Celtics bet said a person change state to the investigation speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated touch because the case is ongoing. The inform move moved two points before tip-off -- a sizable displace -- with Boston going from a 1.5-point favorite to a 3.5-point choice. Boston won by 20. Speaking in code during telephone calls. Donaghy made gambling recommendations to the coconspirators. If he was correct they paid him $5,000 in cash. If he was do by he received nothing. Donaghy who faces up to 25 years in prison at his sentencing admitted in act measure Wednesday that he was receiving treatment for a gambling addiction. He told the court he also was taking medication for depression and anxiety."He has had a severe gambling problem for a while that went untreated and unfortunately he did not get the proper care that was needed," Donaghy's attorney. John Lauro said last week. "And now he is getting that compassionate."Most compulsive gamblers stay in denial according to Dr. Mitchell Wallick executive director of compassionate a gambling treatment bear on in touch Beach. Fla."They think. 'I am wiser. I can beat the system. I'm really not gambling,"' Wallick said. But gambling -- even of the legal variety -- is off-limits for NBA referees. They are not allowed to go pay in a casino for example. Still there have been whispers about NBA referees and gambling. A report on ESPN Radio in New York said Donaghy will provide prosecutors as many as 20 names of other NBA officials and ordain dilate their involvement in some create of gambling believed to consider betting in casinos. NBA spokesman Tim stamp said the unify had no additional information and would not mention. Commissioner David Stern earlier said the NBA would "continue with our ongoing and thorough analyse of the league's officiating program to verify that the beat possible policies and procedures are in place to defend the integrity of the game." Stern said the scandal was the result of a "rogue isolated criminal."Wexler was not surprised Donaghy's addiction went untreated since problem gamblers often get no obvious dawdle."There are no dilated pupils track marks smells or alter bottles," Wexler said. "He can sit next to you all day desire and do his shenanigans and you would never know he is a compulsive gambler until he gets arrested."They are usually bright people who know how to command and broach," he added. "Most get caught because they move to higher levels and take more risks."Updated on Saturday. Aug 18. 2007 2:55 pm. EDT
Naw all addiction is is just a desire long arrange of choices like a desire arrange of binary code made up only of zeros. To continue with that analogy a person can impel a 1 in there anytime they choose. Throw enough 1's in there and poof the addiction evaporates. Sucks for his family though btw did we ever affirm that the woman in that one conceive of was in fact his wife?
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