[vincesanity82]

Here's the first look at the reputed small-time bookie behind disgraced referee Tim Donaghy and the NBA scandal. James Battista, who attended the same Pennsylvania high school as Donaghy in the early 1980s, is in the eye of the illegal gambling storm that has rocked pro basketball, but he was calmly walking his Shih Tzu when the Daily News tracked him down in an affluent Philadelphia suburb. "No comment," Battista said gruffly. "Stay off my property." Later, Battista softened somewhat and emerged from his brick Colonial with a bowl of cold water for the reporter's dog, who was along for the stakeout. "Let's handle this like gentlemen. Call my lawyer," he said. The FBI is investigating allegations that Donaghy bet on NBA games, including those he officiated in, with Battista and another unnamed bookie. -- NY Daily News

Ref's alleged bookie is in a foul mood