Disgraced ex-NBA ref Tim Donaghy makes controversial wrestling debut

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy made his first appearance as an official for Major League Wrestling on Wednesday, and it wasn't without controversy.

Donaghy, who was involved in a gambling scandal during his time in the NBA, played a crooked official in the main event of MLW Fusion, helping Richard Holliday win a Caribbean Strap match against fan-favorite Savio Vega.

"I think people are going to find it entertaining," Donaghy told Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. "I was a little out of my comfort zone, but I think it went well."

He's open to officiating future MLW matches as well.

"Wrestling is a form of entertainment, and I'm having fun with it," he said. "It got a little more physical than I expected, but it was definitely exciting. Everyone was very helpful and professional, and I hope I'm part of it again."

Donaghy, 54, was given a 15-month prison sentence in 2008 after pleading guilty to felony charges of conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce.