Donaghy's Lawyer Lashes Out Against NBA's Restitution Request
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Donaghy's Attorney Critical Of
NBA's Restitution Request |
John Lauro, the attorney for former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, accused the NBA in a filing in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn of "Mafia-style witness retaliation," according to William Bender of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. Lauro claims that the NBA, which is seeking about $1.4M in restitution from Donaghy, is "trying to financially 'destroy' Donaghy and put his children out on the street in retaliation for his recently publicized claims that the league employees intentionally manipulated game results." Lauro in the filing said, "The message from the NBA is quite clear: If you cooperate in a federal investigation against the [NBA], we will take you out." Lauro's letter "lays out his argument for why the court should issue a subpoena to the NBA requiring it to provide documentation" for the $1.4M. Lauro said that the league's "last-minute claim for restitution is a 'transparent attempt at witness intimidation' against Donaghy." Oral arguments on the restitution are scheduled for tomorrow (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/24). Lauro: "Much of the NBA's claim centers on its desire to recoup legal fees for an investigation of the activities of other referees and to address widespread gambling by NBA referees, all of which has nothing to do with Mr. Donaghy" (NEWSDAY, 6/24). NBA officials declined to address Lauro's statements, indicating that the matter "would be dealt with" tomorrow (N.Y. TIMES, 6/24).
A QUICK FIX? A YouGovPolimetrix Omnibus poll of 907 respondents shows that 29% of NBA fans "said that the NBA had some role" in setting up the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals. An AD AGE editorial states marketers are "paying top dollar for fans who expect real games determined by on-court action -- not off-court action by suits, referees and shady players." NBA Commissioner David Stern said of the league, "I am the protector of the brand and its integrity. That's a job that every CEO has, and I consider it my job to be out there to be protective and to respond so I become the spokesperson in times of crisis." The editorial: "If only more CEOs understood that. ... In the past, [Stern's] shown he understands the benefits of good PR and developing a positive global brand image. Indeed, he's gone to great lengths to clean up the image of the league and its players. And this time is no different" (AD AGE, 6/23 issue).
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