NBA referee sent down

Donaghy, 41, a National Basketball Association official for 13 seasons, pleaded guilty last August to wire fraud conspiracy to defraud the NBA and to transmitting gambling information across state lines in a scandal that sparked league reforms.

"I'm very sorry ... I brought shame on myself, my family, and to the profession that I love," Donaghy told the court.

Donaghy had admitted taking cash payoffs from gamblers in exchange for inside information, such as the physical condition of certain players and which referees would officiate games.

US District Judge Carol Amon said of Donaghy's compulsive gambling disorder that "although it contributed to his criminal conduct, it does not excuse it.

"Many people relied on him to faithfully perform that job," she told the court. Amon also ordered Donaghy to undergo mental health counseling.

Prosecutors said Donaghy received up to $5,000 for each prediction that turned out to be correct and that he had accepted money at least three times.

Donaghy resigned from the league last summer during an FBI investigation into his gambling activities.

Last week, two co-defendants, both high school friends of Donaghy, were sentenced respectively to 15 months and one year and one day in prison for their roles in the scheme.

The NBA this month named retired US Army Major General Ronald Johnson to a newly created position to oversee referees in a move that separates the functions of the referees from the basketball operations.

As Senior Vice President for Referee Operations, Johnson will supervise all aspects of the NBA's referee program, including recruiting, training, and work rules enforcement.