Tim Donaghy: NBA Told Refs to Call More Fouls for Kobe So He Could Score More (Part 4)

Watch Full Interview: Tim Donaghy, Former NBA Referee Who B...

Part 3: Tim Donaghy Describes Betting on NBA ...
Part 5: Tim Donaghy on Getting Revenge on All...
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Tim Donaghy has claimed that the NBA once favored Kobe Bryant, guiding officials to call fouls against his defenders to allow for higher-scoring games. He recalled a playoff series with the Phoenix Suns, where the NBA specifically instructed referees to monitor closely any foul plays against Kobe committed by Raja Bell, who prided himself a 'Kobe stopper.' The apparent favoritism towards Kobe did not bother the referee as he saw it as following the instructions of an employer. Their rationale, according to Tim, was ensuring the game remained attractive to audiences, with high scoring and popular players like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James flying up and down the floor. He also mentioned benefiting from the said arrangement by wagering on Kobe, having received inside information.