NY Post: NBA ref to be arrested for fixing games

Even by changing up a strike zone, the ump doesn't have nearly the control over a game that an NBA ref does. First of all, when an ump widens the zone, hitters simply adjust and swing more. They might not hit as well, but that doesn't necessarily preclude them from scoring. And, as others have said, Questec would hurt an ump's ability to do much.

An NBA ref directly affects scoring based on how he calls fouls. Every time he (or she) calls a foul, it leads to a good chance for the offensive team to score. He can make it difficult for a team to score by letting the opponent foul without calling it.

I don't think there's another sport where the ref is in as direct a position to affect scoring as they are in basketball.

 

Steve Javie.
Well he is known for holding grudges on players.

 

The NBA issued a brief statement Friday: “We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time.”

 

Anyone wanna bet which one it'll be?

I hope it's not Bob Delaney.

 

Maybe, but that's because there is a lot of scoring (relative to other sports).

In football, however, it can take one or two holding penalties (since there's holding on every play, right?) that nullify touchdowns to make a tremendous difference.

 

Very much the same way there is holding on nearly every NFL play. Do the refs call it when it conveniences them? Hmm.

 

After this, the feds and league need to investigate charges that Isiah Thomas is impersonating a GM and coach.

 

Exactly. And they often do.

I can't count the number of times I've watched a pitcher throw a strike three that was called a ball and then the batter followed with an RBI hit. Or vice versa: A pitch eight inches off the plate called strike three to end an inning.

And let's not forget obvious blown calls (read: Jeffrey Maier).

 

http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/referees.html

Here's the NBA ref stats. I have no idea what I'm looking for though.

Perhaps someone can point out whose stats don't line up.

 

Re: ESPN's coverage of this story

In the just ended news update on ESPN Radio, Dan Davis did not mention this story. He did mention an NBA trade, but not a gambling probe into a ref. I suspect ESPN is waiting for one of their NBA Insiders to "confirm" the story before mentioning it.

 

Riiiiight.

 

I was trying to give TWWL the benefit of the doubt.