Referee: Why did you do it?
Crawford: In our collective bargaining agreement, it reads that we can make money on our plane tickets. I made the mistake of not putting it on my W2. If the government deems me to be a criminal — and I’ve already pleaded guilty to the charges — then so be it. I’ve already paid around $90,000 in legal fees. If I would have taken it to court to fight them, I would have paid another $150,000 in legal fees. If I lost the case, the $150,000 is out the window and I would go to prison. It’s like rolling the dice. I have two kids that I still have to educate. I want to take that $150,000 and educate those kids. I would rather bet my money on (NBA commissioner) David Stern than go to court.
Referee: What do you mean?
Crawford:
I’m hoping David Stern shows compassion to me and my fellow officials, and I’m hoping he allows us the opportunity to referee again.