Two in prison in NBA gambling scandal

Two in prison in NBA gambling scandal The two co-defendants in the NBA gambling scandal involving referee Timothy Donaghy were sentenced to prison time today. For their involvement in the NBA betting scheme, James Battista, 42, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and Thomas Martino, 42, got a year and a day in federal prison, despite the please for leaner sentences. Defense attorneys for both men had argued that probation or house arrest would be best sentence, but federal Judge Carol B. Amon was unmoved and sent both of them to prison. According to the prosecutors, Tim Donaghy banked about $30,000 per year from his accomplices for providing tips on the NBA games he was to oversee during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. His sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday with guidelines suggesting up to 33 months in prison.

"I made bad choices and take full responsibility. I want to apologize to my wife, my children and my family," Battista said after the sentencing. "I am very sorry it took an event of this nature to wake me up," Martino apologized.

Published on 07/25/2008