The reputed bookmaker being investigated in the NBA betting scandal is an acquaintance of referee Tim Donaghy dating back to their high school days.
The lawyer for James Battista of Phoenixville, Pa., told the New York Daily News on Thursday that his client and Donaghy were classmates at Cardinal O'Hara H.S. in Springfield, Pa.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy is expected to surrender to authorities by early next week.
(Haraz N. Ghanbari/Associated Press)
Donaghy is being investigated by the FBI amid allegations he bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones he officiated.
Lawyer Jack McMahon told the newspaper he is aware of the allegations against Battista and he has been in touch with Brooklyn's assistant attorney, Thomas Siegel, who is supervising the investigation for the Brooklyn U.S. attorney's office.
"I've indicated to the prosecutors that if they have an indictment against my client, he would turn himself in voluntarily," lawyer Jack McMahon told the newspaper. "He intends to fight this. If there are any specific allegations, we'll answer them."
McMahon declined comment when he was asked if Battista was a bookie.
Donaghy, an NBA referee for 13 years, resigned July 9 and is expected to surrender to authorities by early next week.
His lawyer has informed the NBA that the former referee is considering agreeing to a plea agreement.
The June call from the FBI was not the first time Donaghy faced gambling allegations.
In January 2005, NBA commissioner David Stern said, the league investigated a dispute between Donaghy and a West Chester, Pa., neighbour. During the investigation, there were allegations that Donaghy was gambling — not on sports — in Atlantic City.
Stern said the league contacted every casino in Atlantic City and Las Vegas and found no evidence of gambling by Donaghy.
Stern put a positive spin on an uncomfortable situation Tuesday, saying the alleged game betting involving Donaghy is "an isolated case."
He added the scandal that has rocked the league won't go beyond the allegations against Donaghy.
With files from the Associated Press
