PAT MILTON Associated Press Writer

(AP) - NEW YORK-Former referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to two felony charges Wednesday in a NBA betting scandal that rocked the league and raised questions about the integrity of games.

Donaghy faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce. He was released on a $250,000 (€185,500) bond.

Speaking in code during telephone calls, Donaghy provided recommendations, called "picks," to co-conspirators about what team they should bet on, said U.S. District Court Judge Carol Bagley Amon. If he was correct, they paid him $5,000 (€3,700).

The picks included information about games that Donaghy officiated, the government said.

The information was not public, the judge said. Donaghy had "unique access," including what crews would officiate at games, the interaction of different officials and players, and the physical condition of certain players.

He concealed the scheme from the NBA and other referees to avoid detection, the judge said.

Donaghy also must pay a $500,000 (€371,000) fine and at least $30,000 (€22,000) in restitution.

Donaghy, who stood ramrod-straight, hands clasped in front of him, spoke in nearly inaudible tones as he told the judge that he is seeing a psychiatrist for his gambling addiction, and is taking an antidepressant and anxiety medication.

Prosecutors said in open court that Donaghy bet on games himself; but that was not a specific part of the verbal admission he made before the judge.

"Tim is relieved this part of the proceeding is over and we look forward to completely resolving this matter in the coming months," defense attorney John Lauro told The Associated Press after the plea. "Tim deeply regrets his involvement in this matter and especially the pain it has caused his family, friends and co-workers."

The two alleged co-conspirators, identified by prosecutors as James Battista, a professional gambler with the nicknames "Baba" and "Sheep," and Thomas Martino, were in the custody of federal marshals on Wednesday and were awaiting arraignment on conspiracy charges carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years.

The FBI first contacted the NBA on June 20 to talk about a referee alleged to be gambling on games, and the two sides met on June 21, NBA commissioner David Stern said last month. Donaghy resigned on July 9 after 13 years as a referee; Stern said he would have fired him sooner but was told it might affect the investigation.

Stern called Donaghy a "rogue, isolated criminal" during his July press conference and said no other NBA officials or players were expected to be involved in the scandal. Stern called it the "most serious situation and worst situation that I have ever experienced either as a fan of the NBA, a lawyer for the NBA or a commissioner of the NBA."

Donaghy was rated in the top tier of officials, Stern said, and there was nothing suspicious about the frequency of his foul calls. He was assigned to work in the second round of the playoffs, with his last NBA game coming during the Phoenix-San Antonio Western Conference semifinal series.

"This is a truly unfortunate case of wrongdoing by one of our own who has admitted to having a serious gambling problem," referees association spokesman Lamell McMorris said. "We recognize that a cloud has descended upon all referees, but we are committed to showing the public that this was an isolated event and that NBA officiating is conducted at the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness."

Donaghy's next court date is Nov. 9; no sentencing date has been set. He turned over his passport.