FBI investigating whether NBA ref bet on games

In Bradenton, Fla., a woman came to the door of the home where Donaghy lives and shouted through the door: "We have no comment."

Donaghy is perhaps best-known previously as one of the referees in the 2004 game at Detroit that ended with Indiana Pacers players fighting with Pistons fans, among the biggest black marks in league history.

This could top it.

"We would like to assure our fans that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports, and to take the necessary steps to protect against this ever happening again," commissioner David Stern said in a statement.

Stern's statement said the FBI is investigating allegations a "single" referee bet on basketball. But the law enforcement official said other arrests are expected.

NBA players in Las Vegas for USA Basketball minicamp were surprised and disappointed to learn of the accusations.

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said he was confident the NBA would sort it out.

"I'm pretty sure they're going to take care of it when they find out what's going on, so I leave it up to them," he said. "It's shocking. I'm pretty sure they're going to get to the bottom of it."

Nevada gambling regulators were not involved in an investigation and had no information about the allegations, said Jerry Markling, enforcement chief for the state Gaming Commission and Gaming Control Board.

Veteran oddsmaker John Avello, at the Wynn resort on the Las Vegas Strip, said that without specific information it would be difficult to identify wagering irregularities over the last two seasons.

"At this point, it's too early to know if any games were affected," Avello said.

The law enforcement official said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges.

The investigation was first reported Friday by the New York Post.

"I'm shocked, terribly shocked," said Gary Benson, an NBA official for 17 years who retired two years ago.

Benson said he didn't work with Donaghy much.

"You have a lot of acquaintances and very few friends. ... I probably worked a handful of games with him overall, just a handful."

Donaghy's neighbors in Bradenton also knew little about the man who has grabbed the attention of the NBA and FBI.

Bob Girard, who lives near Donaghy in a gated community along a golf course, said he only noticed one thing out of the ordinary about his neighbor.

"His house just went up for sale," said Girard, who recalled Donaghy moving into the neighborhood less than a year ago.

When Girard saw the news of the NBA betting scandal on TV, he wondered whether it might involve his neighbor, the NBA referee with daughters who sometimes sold lemonade in front of their house for five cents a cup.

"They've got a nice family," Girard said. "They seem to be a pretty normal family to me."

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Associated Press Writer Pat Milton in New York, AP Writer Ken Ritter in Las Vegas, AP Sports Writers Noah Trister in Little Rock, Ark., and Fred Goodall in Bradenton, Fla., contributed to this report.