Former National Basketball Association referee Tim Donaghy has surrendered to police and pled guilty in a federal court in New York on gambling charges.
The Associated Press reports the 40-year-old Donaghy surrendered to authorities at Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday. Donaghy pled guilty to two felony counts - conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and gambling on games in which he was officiating. The two charges carry a total of 25 years in prison.
Donaghy testified that he supplied inside information - such as other referees' schedules - to his betting co-conspirators. The disgraced official said he would tell his partners which team to bet on and if he was correct they paid him. Donaghy also admitted betting on games he officiated.
NBA commissioner David Stern has referred to Donaghy as "one rogue criminal," implying that the referee acted alone and that others in the league were not involved. Donaghy resigned July 9 after 13 seasons as an NBA referee.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation first contacted the league on June 20. Law enforcement officials say Donaghy had a gambling problem and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.
Others outside the NBA are also expected to be charged.