Wow, what a crazy podcast. Not sure how much I trust Tim Donaghy’s version of NBA history, but it’s definitely worth a listen.
20 dollar bets on foul calls in the refs pool costing Sheed huge fines...man. Shoutout to Bonzi and Sheed for bringin' him on....he told this story years ago but to see him face Sheed over it was pure gold! I love their podcast....love it.
I really enjoy these two and their podcasts, but that really pisses me off. As a fan, knowing that all those refs are fixing the games and I am sure still happening today. Makes you wonder why we even watch.
I hope he keeps talking. The refs need to be a completely seperate business. That company should get a percentage of NBA revenue to pay refs based on percentage of correct calls. And that should be audited by a 3rd party. Officials should be paid enough money that gambling wouldn't even appeal to them. But they should certainly not work for the NBA.
Amazing interview. Interesting for me that Bonzi is so eloquent and really runs the show, Sheed more a sidekick. One thing I didn't hear from any of the three; the effect on the fans of refs out of control and refs making sure certain teams won. Sheed doesn't even ever seem to talk about the effect of a game being won or lost; he seems to focus more on the money he lost due to refs' decisions.
That's a very good point. Sheed and Bonzi, and surely most other players affected, had a tough time understanding the mindset of the refs being oblivious to their impact on the players. But, the players generally have the same blinders toward the fans. (I say generally, because guys like Dame and LeBron clearly prioritize that. Sheed complicates things by being so selfless away from the game, with coat drives and such.) Basically, people are selfish in all walks of life, and the more influence they have, the more of a wake-up slap it takes to get them focused on the impact of their actions. Kudos to the three of them for coming together to discuss something so emotionally charged, and avoiding being defensive for the most part. I still can't un-see Dick Bavetta, unfortunately.
