NEW YORK — The NBA will review accusations by former referee Tim Donaghy that were posted online — even though the publisher is pulling the plug on the book the statements were to appear in.
Random House said Thursday it won’t go forward with the tell-all book Donaghy wrote in prison.
“After a close legal review of the final manuscript of ‘Blowing the Whistle’ by Tim Donaghy, and our independent evaluation of some of the author’s sources and statements, Triumph Books and Random House have decided not to go forward with the book’s publication,” spokesman Stuart Applebaum said.
Still, the NBA said the allegations that appeared on the website will be forwarded to Lawrence B. Pedowitz, who conducted the review of the officiating program following the Donaghy gambling scandal that rocked the league in 2007.
Donaghy admitted taking cash payoffs from gamblers for picks on games, including ones he officiated. He was sentenced to 15 months.
He worked on the book in prison. The excerpts include accusations of wagering between officials working games, favoritism toward star players, and desires by the league to extend playoff series.
Footnotes.
The Bobcats picked up the third-year option on the contract of center Alexis Ajinca for the 2010-11 season.
• The Raptors exercised a team option on guard Marco Belinelli’s contract.
• The Nets exercised options on starters Courtney Lee, Brook Lopez and Yi Jianlian.
The Associated Press
