Disgraced ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy claims he won 75% of the bets he placed on basketball games, but the “euphoria” of his picks turned to terror when the mob moved in on his action.

Breaking his silence for the first time, Donaghy tells CBS’ “60 Minutes” that the Gambino crime family threatened his wife and kids to get him to be its gambling guru. ”They basically told me that I needed to give them the picks and if I didn’t, that it’s a possibility that somebody would go down and visit my wife and kids in Florida,” Donaghy said in the interview set to air Sunday. He said the mafia made millions on his scheme, but paid him only $2,000 for each correct pick. It was unclear how much he raked in before the mob got involved. Donaghy, who was booted from the NBA and imprisoned for 11 months for his wayward wagering, said his dirty betting scheme was based on the inside-knowledge he gleaned from his hardcourt colleagues. ”I knew there were certain relationships that existed between referees and players, referees and coaches and referees and owners that influence the point spreads in games,” said Donaghy, adding that he bet on about 100 games over four years.

He explained that he often bet against teams that had players or coaches hated by the crew refereeing a game. Donaghy claims hoops star Allen Iverson was disliked by many of his whistle-blowing comrades when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. Donaghy said that when Iverson, who returned to the 76ers yesterday, once threatened a referee, other refs vowed to seek revenge. ”I do believe Allen Iverson knew this … all the players know this … certain referees treat them better than others,” Donaghy said. He said his knowledge of biases and schedules of individual referees were tips that helped him achieve a 75% winning average on his wagers. ”When you talk about gambling and the euphoria that comes with it, making winning picks is what excites you,” said Donaghy, insisting that his on-court calls were honest.

I find Donaghy’s claims against the Mafia to be quite bold. What type of security is he rolling with to be able to “drop the dime” on his former gambling partners. The Mafia doesn’t care that you are promoting your new book, or that you spent 11 months in prison. It would be in Donaghys best intrest to keep “Mafia” out of his statements. I see witness protection in Donaghy’s future.

The NBA is far from perfect, but the thought of any master corruption by the league seems far-fecthed and only in the minds of conspiracy theorists. The NBA is run by the general mangers, owners, and the players themselves. The Lakers and Celtics are the best teams, and have the best players.

Referees are to be “shadows” during each game, simply keeping the game in order, and avoiding the limelight.