Well done documentary about a crooked official working for a league of crooks. My main takeaway is confirmation that the NBA is the dirtiest league in all of professional sports. David Stern was a master manipulator who blatantly fixed games to get the best results. If you are a diehard NBA fan don't watch this, because it show you are just watching basketball's equivalent of the wwe. The producers do a really good job of showing just how dirty everyone, including David Stern, truly was in this era. Now that the NBA and other leagues have embraced legal sports gambling, the game fixing is going to get worse.
11 Reviews
Hard To Rate High
helenahandbasket-937341 September 2022
As grotesque as this story is, it's told so expertly and thoroughly that it deserves the 8 given.
Donaghy and his wife/ex however, can crawl right back into the hole from whence they came; at least have the cajones to admit what you took part in, for sobbing out loud.
Yes, the NBA and the FBI are corrupt, this is no secret, especially what's been uncovered in recent history, but that IN NO WAY negates your criminality. Some day perhaps, Tim will finally admit to his part in this farce, but it's blatantly obvious he's no intention of doing so now. His wife/ex (they never say whether she divorced him but I'd guess she jumped ship) bragging about the lifestyle, the earrings, the money is sickening. Then to feign offense at others being repelled is hilarious- you cut bait on your husband, you think friends won't walk away from people who've corrupted a game for monetary profit?
The ancillary characters are definitely interesting- the FBI agent who eludes to further corruption, Tim's attorney, Baba, they're all necessary to further develop the story, and are utilized effectively to really tell the story for those who were either unaware or not born.
For those of us who do recall with vivid memories the fallout of this, it's still no less insane than it was at the time. I was as big of a Chicago Bulls fan who's ever lived, and I'll willingly admit that the entire game slanted to MJs ethos- how could it not? He saved them in every way possible, made them mountains of money, and brought in eyeballs to view the GOAT.
That being said, after Donaghys story broke and the levels of corruption were laid bare to anyone paying attention, I ceased viewing. I halted my season tickets. I no longer cared to take part in the ritual that became more like a religion to those who still watch today. Anyone looking with any intelligence could see how horrific the professional game had become- the corruption of the league, the behavior of officials, ownership, players, it all weaves a thoroughly disgusting story.
This is a tale long overdue, and I'm glad someone decided to bring it up. A well-told tale that shows how gross Donaghy still is, and I hope he rots.
Donaghy and his wife/ex however, can crawl right back into the hole from whence they came; at least have the cajones to admit what you took part in, for sobbing out loud.
Yes, the NBA and the FBI are corrupt, this is no secret, especially what's been uncovered in recent history, but that IN NO WAY negates your criminality. Some day perhaps, Tim will finally admit to his part in this farce, but it's blatantly obvious he's no intention of doing so now. His wife/ex (they never say whether she divorced him but I'd guess she jumped ship) bragging about the lifestyle, the earrings, the money is sickening. Then to feign offense at others being repelled is hilarious- you cut bait on your husband, you think friends won't walk away from people who've corrupted a game for monetary profit?
The ancillary characters are definitely interesting- the FBI agent who eludes to further corruption, Tim's attorney, Baba, they're all necessary to further develop the story, and are utilized effectively to really tell the story for those who were either unaware or not born.
For those of us who do recall with vivid memories the fallout of this, it's still no less insane than it was at the time. I was as big of a Chicago Bulls fan who's ever lived, and I'll willingly admit that the entire game slanted to MJs ethos- how could it not? He saved them in every way possible, made them mountains of money, and brought in eyeballs to view the GOAT.
That being said, after Donaghys story broke and the levels of corruption were laid bare to anyone paying attention, I ceased viewing. I halted my season tickets. I no longer cared to take part in the ritual that became more like a religion to those who still watch today. Anyone looking with any intelligence could see how horrific the professional game had become- the corruption of the league, the behavior of officials, ownership, players, it all weaves a thoroughly disgusting story.
This is a tale long overdue, and I'm glad someone decided to bring it up. A well-told tale that shows how gross Donaghy still is, and I hope he rots.
Net nuetral
Calicodreamin30 August 2022
Overall another well told "Untold" sports drama. The story was interesting and unfolded in an unexpected way. Though maybe a bit repetitive I was still hooked through to the end. Interviews relevant and at least some attempt and following up on claims with the FBI/NBA. Though a fairly unbiased documentary, the people give the vibe that something fishy definitely happened... but I guess we'll never know.
Cheers to a very, very, very, very long review thanks to the new rules presented by the IMDb staff. I'm glad to report that you can trust this review is credible and relevant since it contains at least 600 characters.
Cheers to a very, very, very, very long review thanks to the new rules presented by the IMDb staff. I'm glad to report that you can trust this review is credible and relevant since it contains at least 600 characters.
A good start but missing details/insights from the Whistleblower podcast
I_am_not_here_0074 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The documentary does a solid job at presenting the tale of illegal gambling and match-fixing from the points of view of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, his co-conspirators, their lawyers, and FBI agent Phil Scala. However, some details/insights that would enhance the larger NBA picture are missing that were previously covered by the Whistleblower podcast, whose creator, Tim Livingston, is listed as a co-producer on the documentary.
For example, if you want to learn about the roles of referee Dick Bavetta and owner Mark Cuban in this story, or if you want to hear about how the media played along with the league to hush up the larger story of corruption, or if you want to hear about the corrupt system of the referee association, or if you want to hear about how the preferred time slot for game manipulation has shifted from the 4th quarter to the early part of the 2nd quarter, you'll have to listen to the podcast.
On the other hand, the documentary probably gives you more from the lawyers and from Donaghy's wife than the podcast does.
The podcast has its own issues---it's drawn out and focuses too much on Livingston's journey to learn the facts---but for those looking for greater detail and insight to the story, I would recommend it as a companion to the documentary.
For example, if you want to learn about the roles of referee Dick Bavetta and owner Mark Cuban in this story, or if you want to hear about how the media played along with the league to hush up the larger story of corruption, or if you want to hear about the corrupt system of the referee association, or if you want to hear about how the preferred time slot for game manipulation has shifted from the 4th quarter to the early part of the 2nd quarter, you'll have to listen to the podcast.
On the other hand, the documentary probably gives you more from the lawyers and from Donaghy's wife than the podcast does.
The podcast has its own issues---it's drawn out and focuses too much on Livingston's journey to learn the facts---but for those looking for greater detail and insight to the story, I would recommend it as a companion to the documentary.
Interesting story, but it needs more unbiased insights! [+62%]
arungeorge1331 August 2022
After watching this episode, one feels that the makers have only grazed the surface of something much bigger, tying into the depths of both the NBA and the Philly mob. Betting on major basketball matches while you're an official in said matches does amount to fixing at least, in my books. As a referee, you can make and/or control certain decisions within the game to suit your betting favor, and that makes all the difference. The story of the trio - Timmy, Tommy, and Jimmy - unfurls through compellingly shot interviews, but very soon, it turns into a scenario of who takes the lion's share of the blames. When it involves a powerful institution like the NBA, which was obviously more interested in distancing themselves from the leakage of this entire incident, many things in this documentary are left hush-hush.
Interesting story, pretentiously told.
kontorasmus17 September 2022
I found everything presented in this documentary incredibly interesting. My only problem with the film is its presentation.
It seems like the untold series is going for this more cinematic style of documentary storytelling, popularized in the early 2000s. Where interviews and old footage is suplimented with newly made footage of the interviewed subjects walking in slowmotion down the street, or talking on the phone while voiceover about something vaguely related is playing. The filmmakers are definitely achieving this style, i just do not like it.
To me, the cinematic camera angles and modernized editorial techniques doesn't add tonthe story, it actually takes the humanity and emotion out of the spotlight.
Im a big time basketball fan, and already understand the NBA hierarchy. If you not already know how the NBA works, you might not get the same viewing experience, as the film does not overexplain it.
Interesting story, cool insights into the world of illegal gambling, big personalities, few but strong emotions, meaningless cinematography. 6/10.
It seems like the untold series is going for this more cinematic style of documentary storytelling, popularized in the early 2000s. Where interviews and old footage is suplimented with newly made footage of the interviewed subjects walking in slowmotion down the street, or talking on the phone while voiceover about something vaguely related is playing. The filmmakers are definitely achieving this style, i just do not like it.
To me, the cinematic camera angles and modernized editorial techniques doesn't add tonthe story, it actually takes the humanity and emotion out of the spotlight.
Im a big time basketball fan, and already understand the NBA hierarchy. If you not already know how the NBA works, you might not get the same viewing experience, as the film does not overexplain it.
Interesting story, cool insights into the world of illegal gambling, big personalities, few but strong emotions, meaningless cinematography. 6/10.
Toss him out of here!
bombersflyup18 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Have to agree with a lot of this, as referee's are people and are unable to have unbiased attitudes. Tim who I believe was just giving insights to how things work at least in the beginning. Like I remember they used to say Scott Foster when refereeing Chris Paul's games that it would probably be a loss and the market would change. Because Paul obviously runs the whistle and Foster won't have it. Which makes him a good referee to me, the rules should apply to every player equally. The NBA did really avoid the hot seat. I do love the NBA, but it's poorly officiated even today. Like LeBron can run across the floor and scream at a referee and keep dialogue going, yet another player does even a third of that and gets a tech. The Lakers vs Kings game was a joke, yet the Lakers aren't discredited and the Kings never spoken of in high regard. Even though they were clearly the two best teams and a Championship was basically taken from Sacramento. That was a "I'm never watching basketball ever again" moment... but unlike some others that stuck, I love the NBA too much. I find the subject matter of this documentary interesting, but I also don't think this person should be getting notoriety or monetary gain from it. I go back and watch old games sometimes, be curious to see a game Donaghy refereed.
Professional sports are a business
wcamp646 November 2022
Gave this a 10 even though it gets repetitive. The 10 is for confirming what we have suspected for years about the NBA which is superstars get benefits on the court and refs have direct impact in keeping games close.
The NBA is entertainment first and sport second making it more like the WWE than MLB. I am stunned that so many people reject the narrative. So many claim that Tim was a lone wolf and made up crap. I learned long ago that if you dont understand how things work then you do not understand the money flow. Tim was part of a small fraternity and clearly learned to manage outcomes as part of his role working NBA games. So this Untold is not as "sexy" fun as many other Untold episodes but it will open your eyes to why David Sterns makes insane money doing almost nothing but hand out hats on draft day once a year.
The NBA is entertainment first and sport second making it more like the WWE than MLB. I am stunned that so many people reject the narrative. So many claim that Tim was a lone wolf and made up crap. I learned long ago that if you dont understand how things work then you do not understand the money flow. Tim was part of a small fraternity and clearly learned to manage outcomes as part of his role working NBA games. So this Untold is not as "sexy" fun as many other Untold episodes but it will open your eyes to why David Sterns makes insane money doing almost nothing but hand out hats on draft day once a year.
Operation Bias - Skip It
nerevol8 September 2022
This doc is a complete sham. Go read a real investigation completed by Sean Patrick Griffin called Gaming the Game or listen to him on any number of podcasts. He explains the whole sordid story in detail after thorough interviews and research. His evidence and research completely blows up the Netflix narrative.
Donaghy is a liar and fixed games. The NBA helped cover it up to make it seem like a lone wolf. Netflix dropped the ball here by trusting a liar. There should have been some level of investigation into his narrative that didn't happen.
The conclusion that the NBA and FBI aitted Donaghy didn't fix games is a lie. The NBA directly refutted that conclusion in 2019.
Donaghy is a liar and fixed games. The NBA helped cover it up to make it seem like a lone wolf. Netflix dropped the ball here by trusting a liar. There should have been some level of investigation into his narrative that didn't happen.
The conclusion that the NBA and FBI aitted Donaghy didn't fix games is a lie. The NBA directly refutted that conclusion in 2019.
Allowing a lying schmuck to shape the narrative
CTMT1321 September 2022
I've enjoyed past episodes of Untold, but this is one of the worst documentaries I've ever seen. The way this information is presented makes me believe the filmmakers are either incredibly gullible or did zero research outside of talking to Tim and taking his word for it. It's so egregious that while I was watching this I was wondering if Tim was related to the filmmakers in some way. I don't know why you would waste time and money on this only to show such a narrow scope/point of view (the point of view of a liar who has been desperately trying to repair his image over the past few years). Read "Gaming the Game" by Sean Patrick Griffin if you want an actual understanding of the events and investigation.
Worst of the series
gabriellekatz25 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Letting this schmuck defend himself & lie (although some counterbalance is given to his lies, it isn't always) is offensive. I hated this guy when he got caught - I hate him a million times more now. He's a total scumbag - and delusional liar - who admits he started betting long before he started giving picks to shady bookies who worked for the Gambinos. So when he suddenly claims he "never fixed a game" he's so full of it! And he's mad that his longtime friend - who got subpoenaed- was halfway honest with the grand jury (after he tried to cover for Tim & got charged with perjury). Scumbag of all time.
ALSO how did he only get 15months? He really thought he was only going to get probabtion? I get that he blames the higher-ups like NBA commissioner David Stern but he is such a sleaze-bucket. And when he gets asked if he earned more money than he reported to the gov't he answers, "I don't know."
ALSO how did he only get 15months? He really thought he was only going to get probabtion? I get that he blames the higher-ups like NBA commissioner David Stern but he is such a sleaze-bucket. And when he gets asked if he earned more money than he reported to the gov't he answers, "I don't know."
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