In light of Tim Donaghy’s recent accusations about the officiating in Game 6 of that 2002 Lakers/Kings series, “Refgate” is gaining some steam. Despite David Stern’s condescending attacks on the messenger, there is a growing perception around the league that there has, at least in the past, been something fishy going on with the officiating in the playoffs.
Michael Wilbon makes a couple of interesting points::
It needs to be addressed now. Stern needs to empower an independent panel to investigate referees and their relationship with the league in much the same way Major League Baseball conducted an independent investigation into steroid use. Stern told us the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI had thoroughly investigated all of Donaghy’s claims. Yet, Bob Delaney, one of the three officials who worked the infamous Lakers-Kings Game 6 in 2002, told ESPN he had not been questioned. So, how thorough could the investigation have been? Did somebody forget? Was it a whitewash? Was Dick Bavetta, who also worked that game, questioned? Was Ted Bernhardt, the third official, questioned?
I would generally trust Stern when he says that all of Donaghy’s accusations have been investigated, but how do you conduct an investigation when you don’t even question (at least) one of the referees (Bob Delaney) that worked that infamous game? This is really starting to smell like a cover up, and the league needs to do what Wilbon suggested and empower an independent, thorough investigation.
Oh, by the way… Game 4 of the Finals is tonight.
