Tim Donaghy: Disgraced NBA Referee Chooses a Shocking Post Prison Career
It has been almost four years since Tim Donaghy, the former NBA referee, pleaded guilty over the corruption allegations laid against him. Donaghy was charged over the contention that he used to make calls which affected the point
spread of individual games. However, after his release, he has reportedly; once again set foot in the wagering business.
It was expected that the former official would sort out his ways after his release, but he has shocked everyone by revealing his plans to help others win big as an odds makers’ consultant.
Donaghy stated that his decision to rejoin the gambling industry came after his tell-all book ‘Personal Fouls’ failed to make any profit. This has forced him to take up a job as Danny Berrelli’s consultant.
He stated that he did not receive any money from the book he released, as he has been engaged in a legal row with the publisher. According to the publisher, the government insisted all royalties be used to pay off Donaghy's $195,000
restitution to the NBA.
Tim, on the other hand, said that only 15% should have gone to the restitution and the remaining 85% should have been deposited in his account.
The former referee explained that after his release from prison, he dropped a multitude of resumes all over. However, the only employment letter that he received was from Danny Berrelli, who makes picks on his personal gambling
website.
Donaghy was also treated for pathological gambling whilst he was in prison and he said that he was trying to stay clean of any kind of further indulgence in activities that mirrored his past.
“It’s different (than what I was convicted for) because I’m not placing bets now,” Donaghy said. “I realize in the past that I couldn’t gamble responsibly. It’s something that caused a lot of damage in my life and the lives of
my daughters. So, it’s something I’m not going to go back to.”
Though Donaghy was initially involved in making picks for his employer and had a successful season last year, he has now limited his role to being Berrelli’s adviser. This decision came after Tim was put under pressure by his probation
officer. However, after his probation ends in 2012, Donaghy plans to get more mixed up in the wagering business.
Many people have criticized the former referee for not mending his ways, especially after his actions caused immense mental stress to his family, which included his wife and four daughters. His wife filed for divorce the same year
he pleaded guilty, and he has had a turbulent relationship with his daughters ever since.
Donaghy is still responsible for taking care of his daughters and claimed that as of now this was the only way he could earn enough to provide for his four daughters, who are aged between 9 to 15 years.
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