NBA News: NBA Ref Tim Donaghy's Life May Be in Jeopardy

After investigating him for gambling on NBA basketball, law enforcement may have to protect NBA ref Tim Donaghy. (AP Images)

According to the New York Post NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who's being investigated by the FBI for betting on games he worked, needed local Florida lawmen at his home on Sunday because of threatening phone calls.

"Our concern is for his safety and his family's safety," Sheriff's Lt. Robert McNealy told the newspaper for a story in Monday's editions. "We are definitely going to share any information we get with the FBI."

Donaghy is still being investigated for whether he made calls in games to affect the point spread in games and to help pay off hefty gambling debts.

The Daily News reported Sunday that Donaghy will cooperate with authorities and possibly name other officials and players involved in the betting scandal.

On Monday, the newspaper reported that former neighbors of Donaghy's in Pennsylvania say they were approached more than a year ago by a private investigator they believed was hired by the NBA to check into Donaghy's gambling habits.

It's been recently revealed that Donaghy had more technical fouls called and more free throws called than any other referee for the past two years.

*These latest allegations aren't a huge surprise to those who have been watching NBA action all year. Bodog Nation gave an overview of suspect officiating in the NBA article Hey Ref, You're Blowing It!

Other NBA News

• The Seattle SuperSonics acquired veteran forward Kurt Thomas and the Phoenix Suns' first-round draft choices in 2008 and 2010 on Friday in exchange for a conditional second-round draft choice. Seattle also sent Phoenix its $8 million trade exception to complete the deal. The Suns made the move to cut salary.
• The New Jersey Nets on Monday announced that coach Lawrence Frank has signed a multiyear contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.