Classmate passed on rogue referee tips

NEW YORK, April 17 (UPI) -- A classmate from a Pennsylvania high school has admitted passing along rogue NBA referee Timothy Donaghy's game picks to another old school chum.

Thomas Martino pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in New York, the New York Post reported. He said that he was the go-between for Donaghy and James Battista, a professional gambler.

The three men were in the same class in Springfield, a Philadelphia suburb.

"Mr. Martino allowed himself to be used by two people he considered to be very good friends he has known all his life," his lawyer, Vicki Herr, said outside court. "He's anxious to move and he has taken a step today to put this behind him."

Sources close to the case told the Post that at least five more people are under investigation for getting tips from Donaghy, including some who "made millions." They also said that Donaghy bet on games he refereed, in addition to getting payments for passing along his suggestions.

Donaghy pleaded guilty last year and has been awaiting sentencing.