[AllinDan]

while reading the simmons column I clicked on his link to his '06 column about how disgraceful the the officiating was in the Finals and was sad about how he can't write anymore.

I think this story will probably be bigger and have more impact than Donaghy's actual actions. Bethlehem Shoals on Freedarko made an excellent point today: if it took this long to catch Donaghy, and if it only happened randomly because of some wiretaps, then his actions necessarily weren't all that egregious. He was smart enough to try to stay hidden and thus wasn't going and making sure the bobcats beat the mavericks, but applying much smaller edges to stay out of trouble. While I obviously don't condone his actions whatsoever, the effect of this story on public perception of the NBA will be much more serious than Donaghy's effect on games, and more importantly, on playoff races and playoff games. Who really cares about the regular season anyway? (besides gamblers and Mavs fans, obv)