(USA Today)
Updated: 2007-08-21 10:44

The names of more than a few other NBA referees have surfaced in the Tim Donaghy investigation, a federal law enforcement official said Sunday.

The official, who could not be identified because he is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said none of the activities of the other referees appeared to be criminal.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown (R) has a word with NBA official Tim Donaghy during the first half in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in this April 12, 2006 file photo. Donaghy, the former referee accused of betting on games he officiated, pleaded guilty on August 15, 2007 to two charges, including conspiracy to defraud the National Basketball Association. [AP]

But their activities may be in violation of NBA regulations, which severely restrict wagering by referees and other personnel. None of the activities by the other referees involved wagering on basketball, the official said.

Former referee Mike Mathis says it wouldn't surprise him if referees were involved in football pools and the like.

However, Mathis says he doesn't believe other referees bet on games as Donaghy did. Mathis, an NBA official for 26 years and a member of the National Basketball Referees Association executive board, retired five years ago.

"Like anybody else, refs play in fantasy football pools and things like that," Mathis said. "I'd be surprised if others are involved in what (Donaghy) did."

Donaghy last week pleaded guilty to two felony charges and admitted that he bet on NBA games, including games he officiated. Commissioner David Stern has said Donaghy was a "rogue, isolated criminal." NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league had no additional information on whether other referees were involved and would not comment.

"As far as I know, that's hearsay," referees union spokesman Lamell McMorris said. "I can only go on facts. The fact is this investigation is centered around an individual who has admitted to guilt."

McMorris said he hasn't asked other referees about their gambling activities and doesn't plan to. "We have no reason for concern or worry," he said.

Referees are not permitted to do any kind of gambling except at the racetrack during the offseason. They can attend shows at a casino during the offseason but may not be in the gaming area.

Referees who violate the gambling rule could be fined, suspended or fired.

"I'd hate to be one of (those) guys," Mathis said. "The league would say these guys did X, Y, Z. … Right away, the public is going to say, 'Ah ha, that's what Tim did.' It gives credence to all those who think games were fixed and conspiracy theorists."