NBA Stars Hopeful Betting Scandal Complete After Ex-Ref's Sentencing

August 3, 2008 10:59 a.m. EST

Macau (AHN) - Members of Team USA hoped the betting scandal that rocked the NBA was over following the sentencing of former referee Tim Donaghy to 15 months in jail Wednesday.

NBA stars participating in tune-up games before heading for the Beijing Olympics said that the sentencing of the disgraced referee should put an end on the alleged betting and gambling in the league.

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh said that conviction of Donaghy should serve as an example and a warning to those who would take the similar path.

Donaghy, 41, was meted a stiff sentence despite being the only one who testified, cooperating with authorities and providing crucial information that defined the "crux of the crime."

On the other hand, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant said that he had no doubts about the 2002 playoff games against the Lakers, which Donaghy allegedly claimed to have been rigged to accommodate additional revenues from ticket sales. The Lakers won the series and eventually capturing the title that year.

Donaghy further asserts that the game manipulation has spread out throughout the league. The FBI team investigating the scandal went over these allegations and found nothing that would constitute as a violation of a crime.

The NBA will likely look into Donaghy's assertions and incorporate changes in the management of their 60 referees.

Last week, Donaghy was given 15-months in jail, while co-conspirators James Battista and middleman Thomas Martino were sentenced to 15 months and 12 months in jail respectively.