Operation Flagrant Foul

I found everything presented in this documentary incredibly interesting. My only problem with the film is its presentation.

It seems like the untold series is going for this more cinematic style of documentary storytelling, popularized in the early 2000s. Where interviews and old footage is suplimented with newly made footage of the interviewed subjects walking in slowmotion down the street, or talking on the phone while voiceover about something vaguely related is playing. The filmmakers are definitely achieving this style, i just do not like it.

To me, the cinematic camera angles and modernized editorial techniques doesn't add tonthe story, it actually takes the humanity and emotion out of the spotlight.

Im a big time basketball fan, and already understand the NBA hierarchy. If you not already know how the NBA works, you might not get the same viewing experience, as the film does not overexplain it.

Interesting story, cool insights into the world of illegal gambling, big personalities, few but strong emotions, meaningless cinematography. 6/10.

Gave this a 10 even though it gets repetitive. The 10 is for confirming what we have suspected for years about the NBA which is superstars get benefits on the court and refs have direct impact in keeping games close.

The NBA is entertainment first and sport second making it more like the WWE than MLB. I am stunned that so many people reject the narrative. So many claim that Tim was a lone wolf and made up crap. I learned long ago that if you dont understand how things work then you do not understand the money flow. Tim was part of a small fraternity and clearly learned to manage outcomes as part of his role working NBA games. So this Untold is not as "sexy" fun as many other Untold episodes but it will open your eyes to why David Sterns makes insane money doing almost nothing but hand out hats on draft day once a year.

After watching this episode, one feels that the makers have only grazed the surface of something much bigger, tying into the depths of both the NBA and the Philly mob. Betting on major basketball matches while you're an official in said matches does amount to fixing at least, in my books. As a referee, you can make and/or control certain decisions within the game to suit your betting favor, and that makes all the difference. The story of the trio - Timmy, Tommy, and Jimmy - unfurls through compellingly shot interviews, but very soon, it turns into a scenario of who takes the lion's share of the blames. When it involves a powerful institution like the NBA, which was obviously more interested in distancing themselves from the leakage of this entire incident, many things in this documentary are left hush-hush.

As grotesque as this story is, it's told so expertly and thoroughly that it deserves the 8 given.

Donaghy and his wife/ex however, can crawl right back into the hole from whence they came; at least have the cajones to admit what you took part in, for sobbing out loud.

Yes, the NBA and the FBI are corrupt, this is no secret, especially what's been uncovered in recent history, but that IN NO WAY negates your criminality. Some day perhaps, Tim will finally admit to his part in this farce, but it's blatantly obvious he's no intention of doing so now. His wife/ex (they never say whether she divorced him but I'd guess she jumped ship) bragging about the lifestyle, the earrings, the money is sickening. Then to feign offense at others being repelled is hilarious- you cut bait on your husband, you think friends won't walk away from people who've corrupted a game for monetary profit?

The ancillary characters are definitely interesting- the FBI agent who eludes to further corruption, Tim's attorney, Baba, they're all necessary to further develop the story, and are utilized effectively to really tell the story for those who were either unaware or not born.

For those of us who do recall with vivid memories the fallout of this, it's still no less insane than it was at the time. I was as big of a Chicago Bulls fan who's ever lived, and I'll willingly admit that the entire game slanted to MJs ethos- how could it not? He saved them in every way possible, made them mountains of money, and brought in eyeballs to view the GOAT.

That being said, after Donaghys story broke and the levels of corruption were laid bare to anyone paying attention, I ceased viewing. I halted my season tickets. I no longer cared to take part in the ritual that became more like a religion to those who still watch today. Anyone looking with any intelligence could see how horrific the professional game had become- the corruption of the league, the behavior of officials, ownership, players, it all weaves a thoroughly disgusting story.

This is a tale long overdue, and I'm glad someone decided to bring it up. A well-told tale that shows how gross Donaghy still is, and I hope he rots.

I've enjoyed past episodes of Untold, but this is one of the worst documentaries I've ever seen. The way this information is presented makes me believe the filmmakers are either incredibly gullible or did zero research outside of talking to Tim and taking his word for it. It's so egregious that while I was watching this I was wondering if Tim was related to the filmmakers in some way. I don't know why you would waste time and money on this only to show such a narrow scope/point of view (the point of view of a liar who has been desperately trying to repair his image over the past few years). Read "Gaming the Game" by Sean Patrick Griffin if you want an actual understanding of the events and investigation.