Check out my new fanfic.
12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
Please give it a go đ
***
(A/N: Guys, my comments and reviews aren't visible to others. Webnovel is tracking down any foreign link__ in their site. So, I have been flagged. Check comment section for pics or leave your doubts there.)
On Wednesday, August 8, 2007, Tim Donaghy appeared in federal court in Brooklyn, bringing the NBA "betting scandal" to its climax.
Although the court's verdict could not be broadcast live, reporters from all over the United States gathered in New York, as such scandals are rare in the four major sports leagues.
Everyone knew that competitive sports leagues would involve gambling, but this was the only case in recent years where the FBI caught someone with conclusive evidence.
NBA Commissioner David Stern had recently been feeling overwhelmed, with various state senators seizing the opportunity to "fire" at him, and the league's brand damage was inevitable.
Facing such a situation, Tim Donaghy, who appeared in court, remained calm.
He pleaded guilty in court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and transmission of betting information through interstate commerce, and Tim Donaghy admitted to almost all other charges.
Such a straightforward plea saved District Judge Carol Amon a lot of time, and Donaghy eventually posted $250,000 bail and was released on the spot, awaiting the next judgment.
Accompanied by his lawyer, when Tim Donaghy walked out of the courthouse, the onlookers swarmed forward, throwing out all sorts of questions:
"It is alleged that the former county prosecutor of Maricopa County, Arizona, has consulted the FBI and the NBA. Did you misjudge the Phoenix Suns' games in this year's playoffs?"
"Did the league physically threaten you? Sir, you can tell us the truth!"
"In the games you officiated, did you deliberately favor a certain superstar? Did the New York Knicks benefit from your rulings?"
"Sacramento fans have jointly reported and demanded a thorough investigation of the Western Conference Finals that year. What exactly happened in that series?"
"..."
Questions came one after another.
To prevent his employer from saying the wrong thing, the lawyer had to wave his hand to signal for quiet, and then he spoke loudly:
"We will provide a document to the court later. We do not wish to respond now!"
Judge Carol Amon hinted at a possible reduction in sentence, but it required their continued cooperation.
Tim Donaghy was hopeful about this, rubbing his messy black short hair, and finally added:
"I will make all my experiences public. The league should not ask me to reimburse irrelevant expenses. This is an act of retaliation against me."
The NBA demanded that Donaghy reimburse the league for his airfare and meal expenses, free game tickets, and other costs, including $750 for shoes.
The confession wasn't even finished, and the league had already distanced itself from the public.
Tim Donaghy was naturally displeased about this.
At his lawyer's request, he didn't say too much, but before getting in the car and leaving, he added:
"I need more attention. I will eventually tell the truth, and perhaps I will even publish a book in the future."
When the person involved left, many reporters still felt unsatisfied.
Everyone hoped that Tim Donaghy could provide more lists of relevant interested parties, and ideally, dig up a few more "favored" big stars.
Watching a big star's "persona collapse" is what the public loves most.
With this sentiment, many sports reporters once again "created something out of nothing," speculating out of thin air about who the "beneficiaries" were.
As the betting scandal continued to ferment, many NBA players and referees came forward to speak out.
Old Shaq, who had been quietly enjoying life during the offseason, proactively accepted an interview with ESPN in Miami.
Although it was just a phone call, Shaq was clearly angry.
He hadn't watched the news for half a month, and his championship was "confiscated?"
On that night's Sports Center program, during the call-in segment, Shaq lambasted the commentators who questioned his championship:
"Do you think one referee can decide the outcome of a series? I want to tell you, the Lakers were facing Clay Lee! That was like fighting an alien!"
"I have never denied that I always get free throws, because that is my dominance. They can only stop me from scoring by fouling."
"What decided the outcome that year was my free throw percentage. I almost consistently got those opportunities in every game, and in the end, I accomplished what I couldn't in previous years."
"Those who haven't played basketball, or only played regular season games in the NBA, have no idea what it's like to face Lee in the Finals."
"You should ask those poor guys in San Antonio. They got help and still lost by 40 points."
Michael Wilbon, the host guesting on the evening show, listened with a wry smile. In this incident, the San Antonio Spurs became the biggest victims, and everyone could see the league's intention to extend the series' momentum.
"Yes, Shaq, we all know about your matchup with Lee that year. I think fans are more interested in some inside information!"
"Who got preferential treatment? Tim Donaghy said he received a warning after giving a technical foul to a superstar. We want to know how much privilege star players have."
O'Neal didn't think too much and instinctively pointed the finger at his "old partner."
Years had passed, and Kobe continued to emphasize that he was a "champion guard," and their feud continued:
"I don't know, too many. Clay Lee can get protection from the referees. You know, many fans go to watch games live precisely because they like him."
"This kind of favoritism also happened to me before. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. No one wants to see that 'Bad Boys Basketball' like the Detroit Pistons back then."
"For old-school players like me, I'm more disgusted by players with insufficient strength getting attention."
"81-point scorer? Boring regular season stats. Don't forget basketball is a five-person game. MVP stopped in the first round, the trophy disgracedâthat's what destroys the league's development."
"..."
Michael Wilbon was almost speechless.
If the league doesn't create stars, with these "lame" players, viewership will continue to declineâthis is the current consensus among all commentators.
At the end of the call, Shaq mockingly ridiculed Kobe's "One Person, One City Award," and the public trade had become an inside joke.
The betting scandal is currently at a temporary close.
To get more inside information, one would have to wait until the next court hearing in early 2008.
Michael Wilbon didn't forget to change the subject at the end, gossiping about trade news:
"Besides the national team, NBA fans can also pay attention to the free market."
"Steve Francis has ended his career with the Orlando Magic and is currently expected to return to play in Houston."
"The Portland Trail Blazers traded Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford. The Clippers strengthened their inside through this trade. In their city matchups, they will bring greater trouble to the Lakers."
"Rookie players Kevin Durant and Jeff Green have officially signed contracts with the Seattle SuperSonics. Seattle's twin stars, everyone can look forward to their performance next season."
At the end of the show, the director also presented an interview with Jamal Crawford.
Jamal Crawford, whose playing style was once flashy, played for the Chicago Bulls for two years and was booed out by Chicago fans because he always "imitated Lee's moves," but his efficiency was too low to bear.
After being sent to the Portland Trail Blazers, Jamal Crawford also began to decline in the harsh basketball environment.
In recent years, he has suffered continuous minor injuries, and apart from occasionally scoring four-point plays that make it into highlights, he has not had much more to show.
"I've always been misunderstood. I didn't intentionally imitate Clay Lee's dribbling. I've always played like this since I was a child."
"Leaving Portland might mean a new beginning for me. I don't care about the Clippers' situation in the city. Right now, I just want to train hard."
Jamal Crawford, who was interviewed, was so wronged that he almost cried.
His experience with the Portland Trail Blazers almost ruined him, but fortunately, the nightmare was finally over.
On Thursday, the 9th, no Chinese fans across the ocean were paying attention to the NBA's brand crisis, and there were not many related reports.
Currently, the most discussed topic was that Yi Jianlian had finally signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.
At the same time, news about "Big Brother Francis" returning also excited Houston Rockets fans.
Although they did not get Rashard Lewis, Steve Francis was also good, and he was the "white moonlight" for many old fans.
There were not many broadcast games between the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks.
Under the limited viewing conditions, Steve Francis was either sitting on the bench in a suit and tie or being "hammered" by Lee on the court.
"Lee is having fun" was a phrase A often said when commentating on their matchup, and many fans expressed their hurt feelings about it.
That morning, to the surprise of all fans, after official sports media publicly criticized Yao Ming for his marriage comments and late return from vacation, Big Yao publicly refuted, stating that he had given everything for the national team.
Grant Hill, who officially announced his departure from the NBA, began his China tour that day.
To his surprise, he had many fans across the ocean as well.
With his excellent appearance and no negative gossip on or off the court, Grant Hill got the opportunity for an exclusive interview with CCTV Sports.
By 18:35 on Friday evening, the next day, many Chinese fans saw the content of this exclusive interview in Basketball Park, and his championship experience was officially spread across the ocean.
When asked about what conditions the Houston Rockets still needed to pursue a championship, Grant Hill smiled appropriately at the camera and then shared the New York Knicks' winning experience:
"In the NBA, winning culture is very important. The Houston Rockets were once a championship team. They have championship genes, and now all they need to do is activate them."
"Head Coach Adelman is indeed a very good choice. In my opinion, he can unleash Yao Ming's potential!"
"The reason the New York Knicks keep winning championships is that Clay Lee lets us do what we do best."
"Dikembe Mutombo is a respectable big man. Although I was only his teammate for two years, I believe he can definitely ignite the Houston Rockets' championship genes."
"âŠ"
This year, Basketball Park will officially launch the "Yao-Yi NBA Column," but host did not ask too many related questions as usual this time.
Instead, he asked more curiously:
"We all want to know how Clay Lee's super-long three-pointers are trained? In the Finals, that three-pointer from near the Logo was simply incredible!"
Grant Hill, wearing a striped shirt, heard this topic but chuckled and shook his head, then gave his answer to the surprised look of host:
"There's no intentional practice. In my opinion, this kind of shooting skill that can achieve a 50% success rate from beyond the three-point line should be attributed to talent."
"Sometimes I can't imagine how Lee can just casually toss the ball from half-court into the basket, or even throw it in while facing away from the basket from beyond the three-point line."
"I've seen even more exaggerated shots on the training court. Young players, don't imitate Lee. Just do your basic training."
Host thought of the recent ESPN news he had seen and instinctively sighed after hearing this answer:
"Shaquille O'Neal was right, he really plays like an alienâŠ"
This episode of Basketball Park was a hit, but Grant Hill's advice came too late.
If he understood how young people play now, he would realize there's no difference here from America.
Wild heaves have swept this land in recent years.
On sunday, the 12th, the New York Times continued to track the betting scandal.
Police announced that Tim Donaghy might be in danger of his life, and the NBA announced that it would hold a press conference next Tuesday.
Clay Lee, preparing to leave the UK, was enjoying his last holiday at a private villa in Cheshire.
There were no social engagements or parties that evening, and this ancient mansion, which only became officially habitable this year, also quieted down.
The vast green spaces and forests outside the window seemed to become exceptionally beautiful against the night.
Natalie Dormer, wrapped in a bath towel, sipped red wine, pointed at the floor-to-ceiling window, and asked curiously with a hint of drunkenness:
"You tore down half of this place? I swear, if the original owner of this house saw this, they'd go crazy!"
From the outside, this historic house looked like a red brick building.
The main gate and the main house were still some distance apart, providing good privacy.
In the past, there were only small windows here, and the overly modern renovation seemed a bit out of place, but the room's lighting was much better, and a different view could be seen at night.
"That's why it took so long to renovate. I just want to live comfortably. I'm not interested in maintaining so-called history."
The weather in the UK was not yet cold, so Lee didn't have a chance to test the renovated fireplace.
At this moment, he was lazily nestled on the living room sofa, watching the girl's eyes "light up" as she squeezed closer, and he proactively changed the subject:
"Do you know Ingenious? I heard that most celebrities in the UK are their clients."
Natalie Dormer put down her wine glass, then leaned in and whispered:
"I'm just a small actress. I don't have that much money to invest. But the director in the crew did recommend them to us. Celebrities get preferential treatment, and it's said to be better for tax avoidance!"
Ingenious, this private equity fund, came into Axe Capital's sights mainly because they participated in Fox's investment.
"Avatar" two years ago made them a fortune, even Merrill Lynch was envious, and their extremely high returns and client-poaching tactics made Bobby and others frown.
Within Manchester United, Rooney was almost poached, but the little fat man didn't reveal any related information.
Lee, who was skilled at undressing, slowly removed her bath towel while gently controlling the ball, gazing into her blue eyes, and whispered a suggestion into her ear:
"Do me a favor. Hollywood will need more funds in the future, and Axe Capital will like a win-win!"
Giggles and gasps quickly filled the room.
Tonight was another sleepless night:
"It's very safe today!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)