Recent down time for recovery from so-called minor surgery – have you ever noticed that it’s only minor to those who aren’t being operated on? – has given this old coach more time than usual to follow the local, state, and national sports happenings.

News from the NBA regarding official Tim Donaghy, a 13-year veteran referee, and an on-going FBI investigation into his alleged betting on games he officiated, sends chills up and down the spines of all those who coach, officiate, play, or watch these games.

After all, is there a truer paragon of justice in all of sports than the men and the women who officiate these contests? I doubt it.

Now what happens, regardless of the outcome of the Feds’ investigation (Remember: No charges have been filed), is the shadow of doubt placed on all officials.

I spent 34 years coaching basketball at all levels of play – including the professional level – and the first thing that came to mind when I heard the story were the catcalls from all the bleacher bums who hollered out things like, “How much they paying you for that call?”

Consider this. How will refs, umpires, and officials be treated now?

In large part, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the time I spent on the bench was the relationship I had with game officials. Even at the professional level of play in the Continental Basketball Association, it was hard not to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the men and the women who toiled in the relative obscurity of the minor leagues.

Back then – the early 1980s – officials often traveled with the teams. It was my pleasure to get to know several fine human beings who just happened to be great basketball referees. Two gentlemen come to mind immediately. Barry Rogan, who spent time in the big leagues of the NBA, and Tommy Rowe, who substituted in the bigs during a labor dispute.

Obviously, however, most of the refs I knew came from the high school and college ranks.

Unfortunately, all levels of play will fall under the associated scrutiny that will be the end result of the FBI investigation.

College athletics have been rocked a time or two by betting scandals, and with organized crime and millions of dollars in the midst, only the naive would think that game officials couldn’t become involved in such alleged insidious behavior.

In my 21 years of dealing with high school and college hoop refs, I found them to be above reproach in all dealings, on and off the court. From preseason training to regular and postseason work, this was truly a professional bunch of people.

Let’s hope the FBI investigation is swift and painless and that the guilt by association does not continue beyond the beginning of next season. Otherwise, others will be dragged into the fray for simply wearing a striped shirt.

30-Second Time Out

Boston Globe sportswriter Nick Cafardo, who appears on NESN’s Red Sox pregame show, recently reported that he asked 10 baseball officials which American League team would win the pennant. According to the likeable Cafardo, nine of 10 said the Detroit Tigers. The other one said the Yankees. My own view is that the Red Sox will win the pennant. Why? Pitching.

Arguably boasting the best starting pitching, middle relief, and closing pitching, the Sox may falter from time to time, but they will always be in the hunt. Sorry, Nick, the facts and the stats bear this out.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net