Donaghy's guilty plea doesn't end NBA's headache

NBA Referee Betting Scandal Donaghy pleads guilty | Four games pinpointed BURNS: Guilty plea doesn't end NBA's headache WERTHEIM: How Donaghy's plea affects the NBA THOMSEN: NBA must find way to live with betting ASCHBURNER: Stern's legacy suddenly on the line THOMSEN: Other referees have cause for concern McCALLUM: Commissioner shows a different side BURNS: Fans will inevitably doubt Stern's NBA DEFORD: Betting probe like this one was inevitable MANNIX: An isolated case? Stern better hope so McCALLUM: The NBA missed some warning signs BURNS: Ex-Donaghy colleague expresses anger GALLERY: Infamous gambling scandals in sports SI FLASHBACK: Referees caught for tax evasion

It could have been worse. For David Stern, that has to be the prevailing sentiment after disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy's guilty plea Wednesday to two felony counts related to betting on NBA games.

No other refs or NBA personnel were involved, according to Donaghy's plea. Donaghy himself wasn't charged with affecting any outcomes or point spreads. And there will now be no need for a lengthy trial that would keep the story in the headlines and perhaps compel Stern to testify.

But as relieved as the commissioner might be this day, he surely knows this story is far from over.

There is still the matter of Donaghy's two alleged co-conspirators, Thomas Martino and James Battista, who have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud the NBA. Who says they won't provide different accounts of Donaghy's level of involvement?

Also, Stern still faces scrutiny from ticket-buying fans and a skeptical public who want to know exactly what Donaghy did. The FBI says he bet on games he officiated. While Donaghy might not have been charged with fixing any contests, it strains the imagination to think he didn't use his whistle to influence them in some way when he had money riding on the outcome.

So, then, Mr. Stern, the ball is in your court: Did Donaghy affect any outcomes? Did he shave points? If so, which games were involved?

According to court papers, Donaghy spoke with one of his alleged gambling associates before a Dec. 13 Sixers-Celtics game that the ref had been assigned to officiate. The Sixers opened as 1½-point underdogs, but heavy action eventually moved the line to 3½. Boston led by just two points at half, but outscored Philadelphia 58-40 in the second half to win 101-81.

The next day, Donaghy received a cash payment for his successful "tip."

Another time, according to court records, Donaghy gave a pick over the phone on or about Dec. 26. That night he officiated a Grizzlies-Wizards game in which heavy betting moved the over/under from 203 to 207. Washington won 116-101. Again, he later received a payment.

Coincidences? Perhaps.

But these are the kinds of stories the public will be hearing about in the days ahead as the media pores over Donaghy's games. Given Stern's promise that the league will do everything it can to win back the trust of fans, he needs to be forthcoming and tell us what the NBA's own investigation has revealed.

Stern also must tackle the widely held belief among fans (and some players) that certain officials let personal relationships affect how they call a game. According to the FBI's complaint against Donaghy, one of the ways he provided an edge to his co-conspirators was by detailing information about how various refs and players interacted. If that's truly the case, it's a major problem for the NBA.

As for Donaghy, he has now assured himself a permanent place in the Gambler's Hall of Shame. Set him up with a bronze bust and plop it down alongside those of Pete Rose, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, Art Schlichter and Richard "The Fixer" Perry. "Pulling a Donaghy" now officially becomes part of the conspiracy theorist's lexicon -- at least until the next crooked sports figure comes along and puts his name to this particular shameful act.

Maybe when he's paid his debt to society and served out his sentence, Donaghy will try to make some good of it. Maybe he can speak to school kids about the dangers of gambling. Maybe he can do something to help prevent others from falling into the same trap.

In the meantime, Stern can give thanks that Wednesday's news wasn't worse. Even so, he and the NBA still have some difficult days ahead.