Donaghy buddy Martino admits guilt in NBA betting case

Philadelphia Daily News, April, 2008 by WILLIAM BENDER benderw@phillynews.com

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Federal prosecutors are poised to convict the final member of the Tim Donaghy gambling troika after one of the former NBA referee's high school buddies pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud.

Thomas Martino admitted to U.S. District Judge Carol B. Amon that he paid Donaghy for correct basketball "picks" that were based on inside information the referee provided to him and James "Baba" Battista, an alleged co-conspirator in the betting ring.

Battista, a professional gambler from Phoenixville who attended Cardinal O'Hara High School with Donaghy and Martino in the 1980s, is expected to plead guilty Monday.

"Mr. Martino allowed himself to be used by two people he considered to be very good friends that he knew all his life," said Martino's...