Fansided

20 biggest sports scandals of all-time

By Josh Criswell

Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds in the dugout prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds in the dugout prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Tim Donaghy NBA betting scandal

Shocking revelations involving a veteran referee, mob associates and a betting scandal rocked the NBA community in the summer of 2007. Just over a year later, the referee involved, Tim Donaghy, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his actions.

Donaghy had a severe gambling addiction, and allegedly made tens of thousands of dollars in bets on NBA games from 2005 to 2007. During this time, point spreads were significantly affected by games in which he officiated. His involvement in the scheme was revealed when his name came up during an unrelated FBI investigation into organized crime.

In addition to the negative publicity that Donaghy brought upon the NBA, he also revived one of the league’s biggest conspiracies: the alleged fixing of Game 6 of the 2002 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.

The game featured one of the most embarrassing displays of officiating in the history of the sport, and allowed the Lakers to come back and eventually advance to the finals, where they won their third consecutive NBA championship.

Donaghy claimed that one of the referees officiating the game informed him that they were working in the league’s interest to force a Game 7.

Next: 6. The Steroids Era in baseball

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