50 Top 10 Lists of 2007

Top 10 Scandals

#6. The NBA's Dirty Ref

Blame it on his gambling addiction. Veteran NBA referee Tim Donaghy resigned in July just before word spread that the FBI was investigating him for betting on games — including some he officiated — during the past four years. In August, Donaghy admitted that since December 2006, he had been paid by gambling associates for correctly predicting which team would win a particular game. He also passed along such insider tips as which players were injured. NBA commissioner David Stern called the Donaghy affair "the worst situation" he had experienced in 40 years with the league. Donaghy pleaded guilty and could face up to 25 years in prison.

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