Judge Sentences Donaghy's Associates To Prison After Roles In Betting Scandal

New York, NY (AHN) - A federal judge in Brooklyn sentenced to prison Thursday two former high school classmates of ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy following a betting controversy that rocked the league.

U.S. District Judge Carol Amon sentenced James Battista, a professional gambler, to 15 months in prison while Thomas Martino, the alleged middleman between Battista and Donaghy, will serve jail time of one year and one day following his payment of betting tips to the NBA referee.

All three attended the Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Pennsylvania.

The 41-year-old Donaghy, who pleaded guilty to charges that he received cash for giving picks to gamblers, is awaiting sentencing Tuesday and could face up to 33 months in prison.

Both Battista and Martino had earlier pleaded guilty-Battista to conspiracy to transmitting wagering information and Martino to conspiracy to commit wire fraud-before Thursday's sentencing.

Defense attorneys asked for probation for their clients but Amon singled out Battista because of his gambling history.

Martino vowed to regain his reputation after telling the judge that he "bad choices." Both were also ordered to pay the NBA $217,266 in restitution.