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Personal Foul: A First-Person Account of the Scandal that Rocked the NBA
The media has often speculated and sports fans have debated, but until now no one has known the real story. Personal Foul takes an in-depth look at former NBA referee Tim Donaghy and the betting scandal that rocked professional basketball. This is the decisive book that reveals exactly what was done and how it all happened. Which games were affected and how? Did referees target particular players or teams? Just how much did the NBA know and when? How did the mafia get involved? The book answers all of these questions and more. Thrilling and poignant, Personal Foul takes readers on the journey of one man wrestling his own demons and shines a light on a culture of gambling and "directive" officiating in the NBA that promises to change the way sports fans view the game forever. The book also includes a foreword by Phil Scala, the FBI Special Agent who worked the Gambino case.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
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458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 6, 2017
I've recently been very interested in the NBA; watching as many games as possible, watching videos on YouTube about anything related to the game, checking scores nightly, etc. So naturally I'm going to have interest in a book with explosive details of one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the league.
This first person account was incredibly eye opening. So much of the book is giving an inside look at how the game works behind the scenes, as part of the employees' everyday lives. And honestly it's shocking. The level of corruption among referees, coaches, and also higher-ups within the NBA is astounding! Refs manipulate games nightly! They'll bet on who will call the first foul, and then try to hold out so they don't lose the bet. They'll give favors to coaches and players they have good relationships with, and alternatively they'll target coaches and players they have grudges against. They'll ignore blatant fouls or turnovers committed by big name stars because "people don't pay to watch stars sit on the bench". Some will make calls for the express purpose of lessening the extent of a blowout, some will deliberately change the outcome of a game to extend a playoff series. And what's most upsetting is that sometimes the NBA front office will tell them to do these things.
I realize the NBA is about making money just like the other professional sports leagues, but it seems that they're hardly even pretending that they want fair games as their product. There are just too many examples of games that were manipulated by referees and/or the front office, particularly in playoff scenarios (2002 WCF, 2006 Finals, the list continues).
Maybe I'm a purist, but I kind of want the game to be a game, and not a scripted show. It's disheartening as a fan to watch a close contest and know that I might not be seeing impartial calls deciding the games I'm paying to watch. If it gets to the point that Ralph Nader writes a letter to the NBA commissioner asserting that people see enough corruption and lies in politics and don't need to see more in the sports they watch, you might have a problem.
If anyone is interested, I would definitely recommend this book, or I'm always willing to rant about it myself too.
TL;DR: the NBA is rigged and it makes me mad.
This first person account was incredibly eye opening. So much of the book is giving an inside look at how the game works behind the scenes, as part of the employees' everyday lives. And honestly it's shocking. The level of corruption among referees, coaches, and also higher-ups within the NBA is astounding! Refs manipulate games nightly! They'll bet on who will call the first foul, and then try to hold out so they don't lose the bet. They'll give favors to coaches and players they have good relationships with, and alternatively they'll target coaches and players they have grudges against. They'll ignore blatant fouls or turnovers committed by big name stars because "people don't pay to watch stars sit on the bench". Some will make calls for the express purpose of lessening the extent of a blowout, some will deliberately change the outcome of a game to extend a playoff series. And what's most upsetting is that sometimes the NBA front office will tell them to do these things.
I realize the NBA is about making money just like the other professional sports leagues, but it seems that they're hardly even pretending that they want fair games as their product. There are just too many examples of games that were manipulated by referees and/or the front office, particularly in playoff scenarios (2002 WCF, 2006 Finals, the list continues).
Maybe I'm a purist, but I kind of want the game to be a game, and not a scripted show. It's disheartening as a fan to watch a close contest and know that I might not be seeing impartial calls deciding the games I'm paying to watch. If it gets to the point that Ralph Nader writes a letter to the NBA commissioner asserting that people see enough corruption and lies in politics and don't need to see more in the sports they watch, you might have a problem.
If anyone is interested, I would definitely recommend this book, or I'm always willing to rant about it myself too.
TL;DR: the NBA is rigged and it makes me mad.
June 29, 2013
Wow, i had no idea donaghy was such a pathological liar, degenerate gambler and overall scumbag. yet he writes a book and tries to act as if he is a nice guy. interesting insight into the mind and bias nature of the nba though.
January 29, 2020
I was disappointed in this review of the authors actions. I don’t know what I expected, but not this
March 2, 2019
Highly recommended for fans of basketball and the NBA, especially if you’re interested in Sacramento’s game 6 of the 2002 playoff series with the Lakers.
Bottom line:
Whether you are someone who pays big bucks for a seat in the arena or watching from the comfort of home, are you watching to see a game or a show?
They call it “making it to the show” for a reason.
Bottom line:
Whether you are someone who pays big bucks for a seat in the arena or watching from the comfort of home, are you watching to see a game or a show?
They call it “making it to the show” for a reason.
April 28, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “HE MAY HAVE FOULED OUT AS A REFEREE… BUT HE SCORES AS A WRITER!”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the memoir of disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy. As most basketball fans know Donaghy pleaded guilty in federal court in 2008 to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce. Donaghy delivers to the reader a no-holds-barred indoctrination of how a boy who not only grew up loving sports and dreaming of playing or refereeing in the NBA one day… but also looked up to his Father whose life as a high school and college referee was the embodiment of integrity. When Tim fulfills his childhood dream of becoming an NBA referee… he exalts in the fame and fortune that this position provides. He gets to rub shoulders with the likes of Jack Nicholson… Spike Lee… and countless other celebrities… in addition to having superstars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant… et al… currying to win favor from him… whether real or imagined… or what lies in between. In a painful self-evaluation the author paints a self-portrait of a man who literally became a degenerate gambling addict. In addition to contacts with childhood friends who became involved in organized crime and started “working” Donaghy for predictions of who would win specific NBA games… Donaghy slowly but inexorably… couldn’t live without gambling. “MAKING 35 TO 40 BETS PER WEEK ON FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, AND HOCKEY, WE CONTINUED TO GAMBLE ON GOLF AT THE COUNTRY CLUB, CARDS IN THE BACK PARLOR, AND BLACKJACK IN THE CASINOS.” Despite being a husband and Father of four young daughters… he lied to his wife and went to Atlantic City for binges at the casinos while telling his wife he was elsewhere.
But what was at the absolute despicable core of his illegal and immoral activity… was the inside information… that he was privy to as an NBA referee. And as a referee… the sanctity of the entire game… and league… rose and fell… at the hands of the referees. According to Tim… he never fixed a game… but he would call his associates… and at times… merely minutes before the game… to report unknown injuries… or team fatigue… to his organized crime cronies. In the author’s defense… he does not for a minute deny his unsavory deeds… and his shame for the disgrace that he rained down on his entire family… from his Father… to his wife… to his kids… is palpable. But his admission of how easy it is to predict winners (he was right almost SEVENTY-PER-CENT of the time) based on numerous criteria… of which the most powerful tool he used in his betting “advice” was which referees were assigned to which games. And from here is where his proclamations draw the most attack by NBA commissioner David Stern and associates. Tim painstakingly describes over and over… which ref’s had grudges against which players (such as Allen Iverson)… which ref’s had grudges against which coaches… (and sometimes even owners)… which ref’s had friendships with which coaches. Donaghy names names and gives example after example.
I played basketball at multiple levels in my life… and I am a basketball fanatic. I have been a season ticket holder and I read book after book on basketball… and watch it on cable and still attend games… so when I discuss the next portion of Donaghy’s mea-culpa-combined-with-NBA- allegations… I’m not saying all of them are true… but his claims make sense… and I would say every allegation he makes… I have heard fans (including me) say AT LEAST ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND-TIMES!” He says there are two sets of rules. One for star players and one for non-stars… unless the ref of that game has a grudge against that star… and believe me he will make that star suffer on a particular night. The NBA *DOES* care about who is in the playoffs… and how many games a series goes. Ref’s can easily effect the outcome of a game in so many ways… such as when “SHAQ” asked a ref before the game to let some air out the game ball so he would get a softer roll on his brick-like free throws.
What pleasantly surprised me about this book… was that… despite the fact that I knew the ending… I found myself anxiously reading to the next chapter to learn the detailed steps of the author’s journey to embarrassing ruin… which of course was federal prison.
Despite the fact that you will have a distaste for Donaghy because of his misuse of trust and responsibility… he openly admits his guilt and disgust with what he himself did to his life. When he has to call his beloved venerable Father to tell him of the crimes he’s committed… you have to feel for him when he says:
“DAD, I’M IN SOME TROUBLE, A LOT OF TROUBLE.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the memoir of disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy. As most basketball fans know Donaghy pleaded guilty in federal court in 2008 to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce. Donaghy delivers to the reader a no-holds-barred indoctrination of how a boy who not only grew up loving sports and dreaming of playing or refereeing in the NBA one day… but also looked up to his Father whose life as a high school and college referee was the embodiment of integrity. When Tim fulfills his childhood dream of becoming an NBA referee… he exalts in the fame and fortune that this position provides. He gets to rub shoulders with the likes of Jack Nicholson… Spike Lee… and countless other celebrities… in addition to having superstars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant… et al… currying to win favor from him… whether real or imagined… or what lies in between. In a painful self-evaluation the author paints a self-portrait of a man who literally became a degenerate gambling addict. In addition to contacts with childhood friends who became involved in organized crime and started “working” Donaghy for predictions of who would win specific NBA games… Donaghy slowly but inexorably… couldn’t live without gambling. “MAKING 35 TO 40 BETS PER WEEK ON FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, AND HOCKEY, WE CONTINUED TO GAMBLE ON GOLF AT THE COUNTRY CLUB, CARDS IN THE BACK PARLOR, AND BLACKJACK IN THE CASINOS.” Despite being a husband and Father of four young daughters… he lied to his wife and went to Atlantic City for binges at the casinos while telling his wife he was elsewhere.
But what was at the absolute despicable core of his illegal and immoral activity… was the inside information… that he was privy to as an NBA referee. And as a referee… the sanctity of the entire game… and league… rose and fell… at the hands of the referees. According to Tim… he never fixed a game… but he would call his associates… and at times… merely minutes before the game… to report unknown injuries… or team fatigue… to his organized crime cronies. In the author’s defense… he does not for a minute deny his unsavory deeds… and his shame for the disgrace that he rained down on his entire family… from his Father… to his wife… to his kids… is palpable. But his admission of how easy it is to predict winners (he was right almost SEVENTY-PER-CENT of the time) based on numerous criteria… of which the most powerful tool he used in his betting “advice” was which referees were assigned to which games. And from here is where his proclamations draw the most attack by NBA commissioner David Stern and associates. Tim painstakingly describes over and over… which ref’s had grudges against which players (such as Allen Iverson)… which ref’s had grudges against which coaches… (and sometimes even owners)… which ref’s had friendships with which coaches. Donaghy names names and gives example after example.
I played basketball at multiple levels in my life… and I am a basketball fanatic. I have been a season ticket holder and I read book after book on basketball… and watch it on cable and still attend games… so when I discuss the next portion of Donaghy’s mea-culpa-combined-with-NBA- allegations… I’m not saying all of them are true… but his claims make sense… and I would say every allegation he makes… I have heard fans (including me) say AT LEAST ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND-TIMES!” He says there are two sets of rules. One for star players and one for non-stars… unless the ref of that game has a grudge against that star… and believe me he will make that star suffer on a particular night. The NBA *DOES* care about who is in the playoffs… and how many games a series goes. Ref’s can easily effect the outcome of a game in so many ways… such as when “SHAQ” asked a ref before the game to let some air out the game ball so he would get a softer roll on his brick-like free throws.
What pleasantly surprised me about this book… was that… despite the fact that I knew the ending… I found myself anxiously reading to the next chapter to learn the detailed steps of the author’s journey to embarrassing ruin… which of course was federal prison.
Despite the fact that you will have a distaste for Donaghy because of his misuse of trust and responsibility… he openly admits his guilt and disgust with what he himself did to his life. When he has to call his beloved venerable Father to tell him of the crimes he’s committed… you have to feel for him when he says:
“DAD, I’M IN SOME TROUBLE, A LOT OF TROUBLE.”
March 30, 2021
Donaghy presents the book as a way to redeem himself making public his gambling problems. But I see it more as a way to make some money after losing his job as an NBA referee and after spendig some time in jail.
He uses it clearly to justify himself, sort of "I'm not that bad". Nobody is good, so Donaghy explains over and over the shortcomings of others, while lessening his own: <> says he a loooooot of times... everyone seems to have fixed some, except him, of course. I don't have any doubt that he says here many truths, but at the same time I am sure he is a professional liar. Therefore, I find it hard to believe what he says, and this greatly influences my opinion about the book.
Besides, and although I know that what matters here is what he says, and not how he says it, the literary quality of the book is very weak, it's poorly written. Donaghy seems to want to be funny, but he isn't, and that contributes to my dislike of him.
He uses it clearly to justify himself, sort of "I'm not that bad". Nobody is good, so Donaghy explains over and over the shortcomings of others, while lessening his own: <> says he a loooooot of times... everyone seems to have fixed some, except him, of course. I don't have any doubt that he says here many truths, but at the same time I am sure he is a professional liar. Therefore, I find it hard to believe what he says, and this greatly influences my opinion about the book.
Besides, and although I know that what matters here is what he says, and not how he says it, the literary quality of the book is very weak, it's poorly written. Donaghy seems to want to be funny, but he isn't, and that contributes to my dislike of him.
December 22, 2023
This is an extremely interesting book to hear Tim Donaghy's perspective on gambling, refereeing, and bias within the NBA. I was not surprised (but was very intrigued) to learn how the NBA sent its own directives to make games more entertaining, push Game 7s, and make more space for stars to put on a better show. It certainly made me question some of the games I've watched.
I find Donaghy's perspective to be mostly reliable because he takes accountability for what he did. From beginning to end, I don't think Donaghy takes any chance to make excuses for himself or to blame others. I would have been extremely disappointed if this book had been 270 pages that said: "I didn't do it!! they got the wrong guy!" That's not what this book is about. This book is about Donaghy taking responsibility for what happened and for his gambling addiction. It also sheds light on how cooperation agreements may not always be how defendants expect them to be.
I find Donaghy's perspective to be mostly reliable because he takes accountability for what he did. From beginning to end, I don't think Donaghy takes any chance to make excuses for himself or to blame others. I would have been extremely disappointed if this book had been 270 pages that said: "I didn't do it!! they got the wrong guy!" That's not what this book is about. This book is about Donaghy taking responsibility for what happened and for his gambling addiction. It also sheds light on how cooperation agreements may not always be how defendants expect them to be.
August 30, 2019
Bias- I’m a lifelong Sacramento Kings fan, and was a child during the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals. A lot of fans in Sacramento are still bitter in how that series turned out.
TD: I didn’t fix games, I made bets on insider info I knew based kn personal/professional relationships with players, refs, and coaches around the league.
Me: You partook in fixed bets, then.
I’m unsure if this book was a part of a plea-deal. He practically ratted out the entire league, the profession of reffing in the NBA and the bias the business side has.
Half of the book is TD processing (and perhaps he still is) his role in the cluster fuck, and the other half is him ratting out.
As much as I dislike TD- I do give him credit in owning ip to it, and choosing to write about it. Best of wishes to this guy and getting his life back on his feet.
TD: I didn’t fix games, I made bets on insider info I knew based kn personal/professional relationships with players, refs, and coaches around the league.
Me: You partook in fixed bets, then.
I’m unsure if this book was a part of a plea-deal. He practically ratted out the entire league, the profession of reffing in the NBA and the bias the business side has.
Half of the book is TD processing (and perhaps he still is) his role in the cluster fuck, and the other half is him ratting out.
As much as I dislike TD- I do give him credit in owning ip to it, and choosing to write about it. Best of wishes to this guy and getting his life back on his feet.
October 15, 2023
First and foremost: fuck Tim Donaghy.
Second: fuck the referee culture he describes that we all know exists.
Both things can be true, that Donaghy is a filthy rat who deserves all the shame he carries, and that he’s a symptom of a much bigger issue even all these years later. He comes across as both arrogant and sincere in this book, a man who got in over his head and folded at the first hint of pressure, but also a man who would make the same choices if he could because he was so sure of himself. I can’t stand him, but can’t deny that he offers up a lot of very believable stories and even more believable solutions to the problems he points out with the league. He exposed a corruption in a sport I love, so I’ll hate him forever for that, but also it’s validating as hell to know it’s not crazy to think that refs act like gods sometimes.
A worthwhile read for NBA fans. Fuck this guy.
Second: fuck the referee culture he describes that we all know exists.
Both things can be true, that Donaghy is a filthy rat who deserves all the shame he carries, and that he’s a symptom of a much bigger issue even all these years later. He comes across as both arrogant and sincere in this book, a man who got in over his head and folded at the first hint of pressure, but also a man who would make the same choices if he could because he was so sure of himself. I can’t stand him, but can’t deny that he offers up a lot of very believable stories and even more believable solutions to the problems he points out with the league. He exposed a corruption in a sport I love, so I’ll hate him forever for that, but also it’s validating as hell to know it’s not crazy to think that refs act like gods sometimes.
A worthwhile read for NBA fans. Fuck this guy.
April 12, 2023
This book is definitely written by how Donaghy felt in the moment - he tends to use second person verbiage when talking about the scandal itself, and then feels accepting of his actions towards the end of the book. It feels like some of the book is written as if he were saying “It’s not my fault.” Whether he feels guilty for his actions is a question for the reader to guess for themselves.
The book is written like I’m being spoken to by a friend - some will like that, some won’t. Overall, read if you’re an NBA fan, because the insights into sports gambling and fixed games are interesting. It’s not a marvelous piece of literature, but I enjoyed it.
The book is written like I’m being spoken to by a friend - some will like that, some won’t. Overall, read if you’re an NBA fan, because the insights into sports gambling and fixed games are interesting. It’s not a marvelous piece of literature, but I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2017
Growing up, I loved watching the NBA. I still turn on the game from time to time and watch my Pacers play. When I heard about Donaghy I was completely shocked. I never thought such things could happen. His book opened my eyes to things right in front of me. I read the book with a grain of salt, however. I can't believe it's ALL true but I do believe his story has stem from some form of truth. Overall, his account off what goes on in the NBA is interesting to read.
January 12, 2018
I think this was a excellent book. I would reccomend this book to anyone that wants a good story that happened in real life. This book thought me a lesson that if your doing something wrong and you kno it, that it come around and bite you in the butt. Id rate this book a 10/10 because it was very interesting and the author puts you in his shoes so you can understand why he did wehat he did.
January 29, 2018
Fascinating story about the behind-the-scenes action in the NBA, especially involving referees. As a big NBA fan, I found it to be very insightful and entertaining.
The writing is actually pretty bad at times. Donaghy really could have used a ghost writer, but the poor writing does not detract too much from the interesting story.
The writing is actually pretty bad at times. Donaghy really could have used a ghost writer, but the poor writing does not detract too much from the interesting story.
June 3, 2022
This is the only basketball bio that I’ve regretted reading; should’ve known better. Donaghy is a known scumbag, but his betting scandal involvement paled in comparison to the larger culture of corruption surrounding NBA officiating. There’s nothing revelatory here for anyone already interested in the topic; rather, it’s long-winded mea culpa, and it’s hard to feel much sympathy for the man.
July 9, 2024
We've heard rumors through the years of possible fixed games at the highest level. Tim Donaghy puts his prior issues as an NBA official with gambling to paper in this book. At times I find what Donaghy says to be a bit far fetched/not fully true. That said, I overall found him believable and worth the time reading.
January 15, 2020
Though very self-serving, the book does include some insights into the NBA and its officiating. If you sift through the pedestrian prose, some gossipy items about former and current NBA refs, players, and coaches. Recommend for a pro basketball junkie - not many others.
July 3, 2023
The book is written by and about the man himself. Props to him for his journey and learning along the way but still get the sense he’s willing to point the finger at others and say “hey, I wasn’t alone. What about them?”
June 14, 2025
I’m a huge NBA fan and thoroughly enjoyed reading this
Tim shares a lot of insight into the inner workings of the league and his story is quite the ride.
The writing was a little dull at times but all in all I liked the book
Tim shares a lot of insight into the inner workings of the league and his story is quite the ride.
The writing was a little dull at times but all in all I liked the book
December 6, 2025
Very interesting to see how the behind the scenes of the NBA works and what gambling addiction can make someone do. I think this is a very underreported story, and is still extremely relevant given what is going on with the latest NBA gambling scandal.
February 11, 2017
Just OK
The author spends too much time pointing out the flaws of others and making allegations. Seems to want to blame everyone but himself.
The author spends too much time pointing out the flaws of others and making allegations. Seems to want to blame everyone but himself.
December 21, 2017
Was as salacious as I expected, and I loved it! Not deep, but eye opening.
April 2, 2018
Un cuento un poco amable sobre la redención, pero lleno de historias de la cofradía q es el poder de la NBA. Verdad o mentira? A criterio del lector, pero poco importa. Consigue el impacto q busca.
February 9, 2019
Interesting read if you're a basketball fan, I just don't know how much truth is in Tim's allegations.
November 25, 2020
This was a very entertaining book, but yeesh, try as he may, Tim Donaghy is not a very likable person.
January 19, 2021
Gambling corrupts
November 2, 2021
I have never thought about referees before this but now I do all the time
December 25, 2021
I honestly bought this book as a gift and read it in one night; it wasn’t what I’m used to reading but it had a few interesting stories. I’m totally sucked back into reading now though lol.
September 30, 2022
first audiobook i’ve finished, cool sorry but milks his experience and metaphors are kinda cringy
January 26, 2020
It was important to me to read this book so I could hear both sides of the story. If you’re a gambler and NBA fan like me then it’s worth a read. I wouldn’t recommend it to the average fan or casual reader.
December 13, 2023
“Personal Foul” was an inside look at the biggest scandal every to hit the National Basketball Association, the plight of disgraced referee, author, Tim Donaghy. Step by step through Donaghy’s life, from his rise to be an NBA referee to the gambling addiction he developed, to the ultimate betting on NBA scandal that brought him down, “Personal Foul” was enlightening and candid. Although many will denounce Donaghy’s story as having little credibility due to his participation, it was fascinating to read how he predicted winners due to the personalities of various referees, their interactions with players and how the NBA itself was complicit in encouraging that star players remain on the floor and not fouled out or on the receiving end of embarrassing calls. Fans who believe in Donaghy’s story will no doubt have their faith in the NBA rocked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews