News

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3404233 NEW YORK -- Disgraced referee Tim Donaghy should be sentenced to probation because he cooperated in the probe into NBA betting and because he has "a pathological gambling condition," his lawyers said in a letter filed in court Monday. In the letter to U.S. District Court Judge Carol B. Amon, filed in Brooklyn federal court, lawyers for Donaghy argued that their client's cooperation with government investigators in the betting probe "will lead to future reforms that will change the way in which the NBA conducts itself." The veteran referee pleaded guilty last year to felony charges for taking cash payoffs from gamblers and betting on games he officiated. While citing Donaghy's commitment to his family, charitable activities and positive feedback for his career as a referee prior to his "tragic fall from grace," the lawyers said that their client's "aberrant conduct" can only be understood in the context of his gambling addiction, a "crippling disease, which prevented him from exercising complete rational self control." ESPN.com 5/20/08

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_soshnick&sid=a2Q9Q7WnqjE4 Commentary by Scott Soshnick May 20 (Bloomberg) -- It must be difficult for sports radio junkies to understand that not every professional athlete finds fulfillment in fame and fortune. Justine Henin, for instance, walked away from professional tennis as the No. 1 player in the world, saying she no longer derived even a hint of happiness from roaring crowds and backhand winners. She's 25 going on 50. ``I have the impression I've already lived three lives,'' she said. Simply put, Henin was spent. Worn out, mentally and physically. Another suitcase. Another city. Another trophy. None of it mattered anymore. Barry Bonds says he hasn't played baseball since college. Back then it was a game. Then it became work. And golfer Sergio Garcia told Sports Illustrated he feels like an old man. He's 28. Bloomberg.com 5/20/08