Instead of winning by 10, maybe they win by 4.

Basketball is easier than soccer to fix because a single player acting alone can change the result, where in soccer it is usually a group of 4 or 5.

I just thought Nate was just out to get me!

I don't think fixes are that common. A star player controls the ball at the end of games and unless they are under pressure via threat of harm to family, I can't see why financially they would engage in such a thing. they have so much to lose.

A marginal player losing a game only sabotages his career by not executing. Does it happen? For reasons mentioned, I don't see it.

Sometimes its the trends that REFS like to call and not fixing the game. Some Refs call all fouls and possible fouls. Making the game more likely to go over, while stopping the clock to score. Whether some players/coaches are linked to it, I am not sure. But I think its highly unlikely players were in it to fix games, at least for majority of the games.
I have seen a lot of BS calls that favored a team and suddenly switch back and forth. And there are times it sticks with one team. Refs have the ability to change to momentum and possessions very easily. I believe players knew at times when the fix was in, for instance when Wade/Shaq won their first year together vs the Dallas Mavericks.
Wade got fouled, when never touched every time he drove in the game. He is going to continue to drive and attack the basket if he keeps getting calls but that doesn't mean he was part of the fix. Dallas literally was hitting a 3 pointer on every possession and Wade would come back at least getting a foul and mostly and ones back.
I use to gamble during this time, and there were refs that I use to see, that would warn me not to bet against the Dogs. They are usually easier to fix, with a point spread. I would see a lot of BS calls that these refs use to overturn with Charges/Offensive fouls, No calls, calls for one side and not the other, 3 second violations, fouls against players that would put certain players in foul trouble that make a big difference, and any grey area awards one team.

I believe most games aren't fix now days, but it was really bad during the Donaghy era for lots of years. After he got arrested, it just certified my beliefs with his words.

CashMoney wrote:

thejerk wrote:A ref was canned for exactly this. What would make you think it still doesn't happen every once in a while? Refs have way too much control on the outcome of games.

He was canned for providing insider information and wagering not for "fixing" the games.

I think there are too many variable to fix a pro game.

dude, semantics. you cannot honestly believe this. he participated in illegal gambling activity. the FBI alleged he bet on games he refereed. I have no idea what they proved. but if the mob gets their claws into you, you will attempt to manipulate the spread.