Two men plead not guilty in betting scandal involving ex-ref Donaghy

NEW YORK -- Two men charged in a betting scandal involving disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded not guilty on Friday to conspiring to defraud the league.

Prosecutors said James Battista, a professional gambler with nicknames "Baba" and "Sheep," and Thomas Martino entered the pleas during a brief court appearance in Brooklyn.

A trial date was set for April 28. Each man remains free on $250,000 bond.

In a guilty plea in August, Donaghy said he started making NBA bets four years ago, even wagering on games he worked. He admitted recommending bets to high-stakes gamblers and collecting $5,000 if his picks hit.

The former referee faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 18 for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce.