(Sports Network) - Disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy received a 15-month prison sentence Tuesday for his role in betting on NBA games. Donaghy, who pleaded guilty last August to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce, could have received up to 33 months.

"We anticipate that the judge's sentencing decision, together with the changes we have made to our referee operations staff, will enable us to continue with the improvements we are making to our anti-gambling rules, policies and procedures," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement.

"With the conclusion of the government's investigation into this matter, we also look forward to the timely issuance of Larry Pedowitz's review of our officiating program. There is little comfort to be gained from the mandatory prison sentence, especially as it affects Mr. Donaghy's children and their mother, but hopefully the healing process can begin in earnest for all."

The suburban Philadelphia native, who allegedly had a significant gambling problem, fell into debt with bookies that had mob ties.

Donaghy told U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon that he used coded language to tip co-conspirators about players' physical condition and player/referee relations.

In doing so, Donaghy disclosed classified information that he obtained as an NBA referee. Donaghy initially received $2,000 per correct pick, but his calls were so accurate that bookies increased his take to $5,000. In total, Donaghy allegedly received $30,000 to pass inside information to the bookies.

Donaghy specifically admitted to passing information about two games during the 2006-07 season.

Meanwhile, two of Donaghy's former high school classmates at Cardinal O'Hara in Springfield, PA, were sentenced to over a year in prison for their roles in the case last week.

















































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