Dancing with the Devil

A couple of weeks ago, NBA referee Tim Donaghy was named by the FBI as a suspect in possibly fixing games he was officiating. It was also revealed that Mr. Donaghy may have had contacts with a “low level mob figure” associated with the Gambino family related to his apparent gambling problem, the primary problem now being that he is about to turn himself in to authorities. Over the weekend, Mr. Donaghy also had requested police protection due to alleged threatening phone calls.

I probably have most of “The Godfather” series memorized, but what I know about the Mafia could still fit on the head of a pin. Still, feeding my fascination with the mob requires that I read as much as possible so much so that as soon as Mr. Donaghy was identified as having been ‘pinched”, or at least identified by the FBI, it would be reasonable to assume that Mr. Donaghy’s rusted out 1956 Plymouth Dart (assuming he had one) would be of more value than his very life. When one dances with the devil, one should expect some heat.

I don’t mean to diminish the value of anyone’s life by making such a glib statement, but it should be noted that Mr. Donaghy must surely have known he had a potential problem when he was contacted by The Mob. And these are not just “low level” street thugs; the Gambino family has been around a long time. These are folks that citizens need to stay clear of. It’s often been said that the Sicilian/Italian Mafia will not go out of its way to bother folks who have no association; they’re much too smart and have at least a code of honor – even if the concept of honor is their very own. Step inside their realm, however, and the gloves come off. I suppose they could probably be good friends to have under certain circumstances, but they most certainly could turn out to be one’s worst enemy – and greatest fear - as Mr. Donaghy is probably figuring out. Especially if their interests are threatened which, in this case, may well be if the situation is as far-reaching as some speculate.

A gambler’s addiction is as real as addictions come. It is as oppressive and compelling as addictions to tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Mr. Donaghy may well fall within such a category and out of desperation, reached as deeply as he possibly could to find a way out of the mess he’d gotten himself into. Make no mistake; Mr. Donaghy has no one to blame but himself. I would also venture to say that the Gambino crew could not care less about his addiction except in how it will affect them. Strange it is that one may find oneself agreeing with the Gambino crew in this case. After all, they took a “business” risk and have a certain expectation of returns. They helped someone “get out of trouble”, and now their good favor is being rejected because the heat’s on as well it should be.

Aside from the obvious ramifications involving a team’s potentially rightful claim to a victory and/or title it may have been denied, there is something much more sinister and far-reaching than just who may or may not have won a play-off or title game. Mr. Donaghy sold his soul for cash and in so doing placed himself, his family, his reputation, and his livelihood in jeopardy. I have no idea what professional sports referees earn per game, but I would venture to suggest that it is enough for what it’s worth and in the grand scheme, its inherent value verses a deal with the mob is of far greater value than any amount of money.