PHILADELPHIA — In Allen Iverson’s Denver days, there were numerous games when he would fly through the lane, throw up an awkward prayer and helplessly harp on the officials about a noncall.
At least one of the times, A.I. was absolutely right.
Disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy admitted on “60 Minutes” that one game he bet on was the Nuggets’ loss to Utah on Jan. 6, 2007. Donaghy, who spent time in prison for gambling on NBA games, pointed out that a day earlier, Denver’s Iverson was fined $25,000 for harsh comments about another official, Steve Javie.
“I knew that the other two referees and I sought out to do a little justice of our own,” said Donaghy, who told “60 Minutes” on Sunday night that he and officials Bernie Fryer and Gary Zielinski were going to teach Iverson a lesson. Donaghy added, “In the pregame meetings, we came to the conclusion that we were not gonna give Allen Iverson any marginal plays to the basket.”
There was one instance against Utah where Iverson was blatantly fouled and Donaghy didn’t blow his whistle. That said, Iverson was 11-for-12 from the line and attempted more free throws than any other player. Denver shot 31 free throws, compared with 17 for the Jazz. Denver lost 96-84, and Donaghy won his bet.
Asked Monday about that game, in which Carmelo Anthony didn’t play because of a suspension, Nuggets coach George Karl said, “I don’t recall the game specifically.”
As for the quality of officiating in that game and Donaghy’s accusations, Karl said: “It’s an interesting subject — there’s absolutely no question that it’s stimulating and enticing to a lot of fans. My belief has always been that refereeing in the NBA is an impossible job, and (as a coach) you’re never happy, but I also know the NBA has the best referees in the world.”
Iverson would not comment Monday about Donaghy. As for the allegations Donaghy made, NBA commissioner David Stern released a statement: “Those allegations have been fully investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the government completed its investigation, finding that the only criminal conduct was that of Mr. Donaghy.”
Understanding that Donaghy has a tell-all book coming out, and that the former ref will continue to do nationally televised interviews, Karl suggested that the NBA set up town-hall meetings in which some coaches, players, front-office executives and refs all make themselves available to the media — one time — to give their opinions on the issues raised by Donaghy.
“There should be a forum,” Karl said. “Let’s address this one time, and then let it go.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
