Donaghy to plead guilty

? Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy planned to plead guilty in federal court today to charges alleging he bet on games he officiated, a person familiar with the betting scandal probe said.

Donaghy was to turn himself in at Brooklyn federal court, the person, who was not authorized to speak about the case, said Tuesday on condition of anonymity.

Donaghy’s attorney, John Lauro, and federal prosecutors declined to comment.

Besides allegedly placing his own wagers, investigators also examined whether Donaghy provided inside information to others, including referees’ schedules. The referee had a gambling problem and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.

The FBI first contacted the NBA on June 20 to talk about a referee alleged to be gambling on games, and the two sides met June 21, NBA commissioner David Stern said last month.

Donaghy resigned July 9 after 13 years as a referee, though Stern said he would have fired him sooner but was told it might affect the investigation.