Newer fans to the NBA might not know this - especially due to the squeaky-clean image the league strives to promote for itself - but it suffered a huge scandal in 2007, when it was revealed that referee Tim Donaghy was paid to pass betting tips on to outside parties. Donaghy, in response, released a statement via his lawyers claiming that the NBA had instructed referees to influence the result of a particular playoff game, in order to allow the highly-viewed series to reach seven games. It is widely believed to be Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.
