NBA fans are once again lighting up social media after former referee Tim Donaghy claimed that former commissioner David Stern once covered up gambling scandals within the league — and that current commissioner Adam Silver is trying to do the same following the recent arrests of Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups on alleged federal gambling charges.
Donaghy, who famously pleaded guilty for betting on games he officiated during his final two NBA seasons, spoke on the PBD Podcast with Patrick Bet-David over the weekend and dropped some heavy claims about how the league handles gambling controversies.
“I received a text from FBI agent that said they can’t cover this up the way they did with my case,” Donaghy said. “David Stern really ran that whole investigation and it got shut down by highest level of people.”
Former ref Tim Donaghy on the NBA betting scandal 😳
“I received a text from FBI agent that said they can’t cover this up the way they did with my case…. David Stern really ran that whole investigation and it got shut down by highest level of people”
(h/t @NBA__Courtside) pic.twitter.com/QeQKcxyhAa
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 26, 2025
NBA fans quickly took to social media to roast the league, with many accusing it of hiding behind its image of integrity.
One fan joked, “We calling it the National Betting Association now.”
Another added, “David Stern had his way! They been doing this. It’s all business. Right side, wrong side.”
A third fan chimed in, “Lmao the NBA sucks. I have my issues with NFL refs but at least the games are still fun to watch. The NBA product is GARBAGE.”
Earlier this week, the FBI charged 31 individuals, including Rozier and Billups, in a wide-ranging gambling investigation. Following the arrests, Congress reportedly summoned Commissioner Silver for a briefing on the scandal and how the league plans to respond.
“He Was Not Expecting Such a Good Question”: NBA Fans Mock Adam Silver After Interview on Gambling Arrests
During the Boston Celtics–New York Knicks broadcast, Adam Silver was caught off guard when asked why Terry Rozier was still allowed to play despite facing gambling allegations.
Silver appeared uneasy but maintained that the NBA had not found “conclusive proof” linking Rozier to the case.
That short exchange was enough for fans to pounce.
One fan said, “He was not expecting such a good question.”
He was not expecting such a good question 😂
— Josh Egbuna (@joshegbuna) October 25, 2025
Another added, “I’ve never seen Adam Silver look more flustered than I did in those last 30 secs.”
A third fan joked, “Talks himself on camera right into trouble.”
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Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
