Disgraced referee claims NBA retribution

NEW YORK, June 24 (UPI) -- A disgraced NBA referee's lawyer says in court papers filed in New York the NBA seeks $1.4 million from his client for alleging corruption among NBA officials.

John Lauro said the NBA's attempt to have his client, Timothy Donaghy, pay the league $1,395,104.89 when he is sentenced July 14 is retribution for Donaghy's recent claims that NBA officials manipulated the outcome of games to bolster ticket sales and TV ratings, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

Donaghy pleaded guilty in August 2007 to two felony counts related to his admission that he provided professional gamblers with inside information to help them predict the outcomes of games. He has not been accused of manipulating the outcomes of the games.

"The message from the NBA is quite clear: If you cooperate in a federal investigation against the organization, we will take you out," Lauro wrote in court papers filed Monday.

He said the restitution request was "a transparent attempt at witness intimidation."

The restitution issue is to be heard Wednesday by Judge Carol Bagley Amon in U.S. District Court.

Donaghy could face up to 25 years in jail and a $500,000 fine when he is sentenced.