Sports

Prison for two men linked to disgraced NBA ref

NEW YORK — Two former classmates of disgraced referee Tim Donaghy will spend over a year in prison for their roles in the betting scandal that rocked the NBA.

James Battista, a professional gambler, was sentenced in New York on Thursday to 15 months in prison for making bets based on inside tips. His co-defendant, Thomas Martino, got a one-year sentence for paying the referee thousands of dollars for the tips. Both defendants apologized in court on Thursday.

The three men attended high school together in Springfield, Pa.

Donaghy, a resident of Bradenton, Fla., will be sentenced on July 29. He pleaded guilty last year to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe’s AJ Welch throws a pitch during the game against Kamiak on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Monroe baseball bounces back with first win of the season

The 2024 Wesco 3A/2A North champs avenged an opener loss with a 10-0 win over Kamiak.

Washington Wolfpack quarterback Joe Hess throws a pass during the Arena Football One team's practice at Snohomish Sports Dome on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Everett’s Arena Football One team opens Sunday

The Washington Wolfpack, playing in the rebranded AF1, has high expectations.

Monroe freshman pitcher Addelyn Bryant releases a pitch to Glacier Peak's Emma Hirshorn in the bottom of the seventh inning of Monroe softball's 3-0 win in Monroe, Washington on March 13, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald).
Pair of freshmen lift new-look Monroe softball to opening day win

Bryant tosses complete-game shutout, Jeske has 2 RBI in 3-0 win against Glacier Peak.

Lake Stevens’ Manny McLaurin delivers a pitch during a playoff loss to Bothell on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Thursday, March 13

Lake Stevens pitched a combined perfect game en route to 16-0 win in opener.

Prep softball roundup for Thursday, March 13

Edmonds-Woodway, Archbishop Murphy, and Stanwood all earn run-rule wins.

Prep boys soccer roundup for Thursday, March 13

Alex Plumis’ brace lifted Edmonds-Woodway over Jackson for first season win.

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 13

Kamiak, Everett girls tennis each pick up opening wins.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 2-8. Which player voted… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Tyler Larsen dribbles the ball down the field during the game against Snohomish on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Zamolo’s stunner lifts Glacier Peak boys soccer over Snohomish

The Italian exchange student highlights the new-look Grizzlies’ 4-0 season-opening soccer win.

Quarterback Jacob Ta’ase drops back during the Washington Wolfpack’s inaugural home opener against Billings on Sunday, May 5, 2024, a Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Sunday’s AF1 Washington Wolfpack game to be televised

The Everett-based Arena Football One team readies for Sunday’s season opener.

Mountlake Terrace’s Amaya Johnson barely beats the throw home in extras, scoring what would become the game-winning run against Cascade during the Class 3A District 1 softball tournament Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Phil Johnson Ballfields in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, March 12

Terrace softball beats Ingraham 29-1 to earn Washington state’s highest score of the night.

Prep baseball roundup for Wednesday, March 12

Late runs lift Archbishop Murphy over Monroe baseball in opener

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.