the buzz log

Everybody has problems. The NFL has Michael Vick, and MLB has that whole steroids thing. Both are disturbing, but the current NBA meltdown may be even worse. Following news that a referee bet on games (and perhaps more), searches on the scandal's key players took flight.

Tim Donaghy is the ref in the middle of the mess. Queries on the 13-year veteran hit the roof once his name hit the wires. In fact, interest in the "rogue" official topped searches on the NBA, his former employer. Related search spikes included "tim donaghy bio," "tim donaghy gambling," and "tim donaghy playoffs." Hooray for infamy!

But this story isn't just about ol' Tim. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango and NBA commissioner David Stern is Donaghy's unwilling partner. Of course, the commish didn't collude with Donaghy, but many are wondering why Donaghy, who had a reputation as a gambler, wasn't fired earlier. Stern, on a mission of damage control, described the fiasco as an isolated incident. If it turns out to be more, expect outraged searches on Donaghy, Stern, and the NBA to soar even higher.