Former NBA Ref Alleges Michael Jordan Fixed Games for Gambling Profits

A former NBA referee has made a major accusation against Michael Jordan, alleging that the Chicago Bulls star fixed league games. Tim Donaghy shares his own history with betting trouble.

Donaghy is a former NBA referee who spent 11 months in prison after being caught in a betting scandal that affected the league in 2007. Donaghy was accused of leaking insider information, something he claims he was coerced into doing.

Speaking on Saturday's episode of “The Coach JB Show,” Donaghy gave his perspective on Michael Jordan’s involvement in betting, alleging that his gambling problems led him to fix games.

“I think there was no doubt that he was in kind of deep with the gambling,” Donaghy said. “There were rumors that he was passing information along to guys that he was golfing with. … No doubt that he was involved with passing information.”

The podcast hosts defended Jordan, suggesting that he was passing information privately to people he gambled with, as opposed to someone like Terry Rozier or Damon Jones.

“Jordan was in a private situation where the people he lost to, he said, ‘I’ll make your money back like this,' That doesn’t affect a bunch of draftkings, FanDuelers that are about to class action lawsuit the NBA.”

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Michael Jordan claims he had a “competition” problem instead of a gambling problem

Despite his status as one of the greatest basketball players ever, even Michael Jordan isn’t immune to criticism. One aspect of his life that is repeatedly brought up is his alleged gambling addiction.

Jordan was infamous for betting on almost anything, from card games to wagers with teammates, journalists and even the staff at the Bulls’ arena.

However, what many saw as a gambling problem was something completely different in his eyes. While speaking to a reporter in 1993, the Bulls legend said the following about his alleged gambling addiction.

“I have a competition problem.”

While Jordan claims it is a non-issue, stories about his gambling endeavors and wagers have continued to come to light since his retirement.

Such a hobby could have had significant repercussions for any athlete who wasn’t in a financial situation similar to the Bulls legend. He is estimated to be worth $3.8 billion in 2025, according to Forbes.