There has always been a feeling amongst fans that certain players and teams get favorable calls. There has even been the feeling that referees have a bigger than needed hand in the outcome of games. Of course, such conspiracy theories are met with much criticism from the NBA and it’s officials. Maybe they should have been paying closer attention!

It is being reported today that the FBI has been investigating an NBA official who alledgedly bet on games, including contest he was officiating, and went so far as to make calls that would effect the point spread.

According to the Post, the referee’s name was withheld.

The the head of the referees union said it was aware of the probe, Bloomberg News reported.

“These accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter,” Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA Referees Association, told Bloomberg News. “In light of the fact that this is an ongoing federal criminal investigation, we have nothing further to say at this time.”

Bloomberg reported that an NBA spokesman and league executive Stu Jackson, who oversees referees, phone messages seeking comment Friday morning. The Post reported that the FBI declined comment on the investigation.

Of course, with all the Michael Vick rage going on the NBA cannot be happy to have the spotlight of negativity shined directly back at the League, especially in a situation where the very integrity of the game itself is at stake. Stay Tuned!