I’m not entirely familiar with the phenomena of prison inmates having publicists on retainer, but perhaps former NBA referee Tim Donaghy can add “p.r. innovator” to a c.v. that already includes point shaving.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy will be released from prison on June 17, 2009. Donaghy, convicted for betting on professional basketball is serving a 15-month sentence at the federal prison camp in Pensacola, Florida.
Donaghy™s release date has recently been in question due to concerns about his medical condition. Donaghy was injured during an assault in November of 2008. During the assault, another inmate claiming ties to the New York mob beat Donaghy with a heavy object. Donaghy suffered severe knee and leg injuries that will require surgery.
Donaghy will complete his prison term at a halfway house in Tampa Florida. His future plans include re-uniting with his four daughters, obtaining employment, participating in treatment for his addiction to gambling, and finishing a memoir of his 13 years in the NBA.
The weirdest part about this story (swiped from the wire service bit on ESPN):
‘After repeated visits to the prison’s medical facility, Donaghy underwent an MRI exam that showed a tear of the lateral meniscus, as well as a cyst, the source said, according to the Daily News. The source said Donaghy was denied treatment and told by a doctor that his injury was a “congenital” condition.’
I’m not familiar with the congenital torn meniscus. Maybe that’s what blew up both of Wendell Davis’s knees and not the Astroturf at the Vet.