Donaghy on D&C: Ref Davis has 'rabbit ears'

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy joined Dennis & Callahan on Monday morning to talk about Rajon Rondo's ejection from Sunday's game by referee Marc Davis.

Donaghy, who served prison time for his role in a gambling scandal while he officiated games, said he has no doubt Rondo intentionally made contact with Davis, meaning Rondo is likely to be suspended by the league for Game 2.

"I don't think he has any wiggle-room at all," Donaghy said. "I think he definitely was making comments toward him, walked toward him, and I think he bumped him on purpose."

However, Donaghy had little positive to say about Davis.

"Definitely Marc Davis is one of those guys that has rabbit ears for certain people," Donaghy said. "He's a referee that thinks people pay for their tickets to come and see him. He's one of those guys that has a little bit of an ego. So, I'm sure it's not the first time that he's had a problem with Rondo, or something else happened in that game for Rondo to go after him and bump him over that call right there during that point of the game. Something else triggered that."

Added Donaghy: "It's not the first time Marc Davis has had problems with some of the Boston players. I'm sure, again, that there's a history there. This isn't the first time something like this has come up with him."

Davis appeared to blow an out-of-bounds call shortly before the play that set off Rondo. On the second play, Brandon Bass was called for a foul while scrambling on the floor for a loose ball. It's a play that usually ends up being a jump ball, and with the Celtics down four points and 41 seconds remaining, it was a costly call against Boston.

"Not only probably was it a jump ball, but based on the time and score in the game, I would see most times giving that ball to the team that's down in that situation," Donaghy said. "That's how usually the NBA referees do it. So, I'm sure a lot of people were shocked that the foul was called."

To hear the interview, go to the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page [1]. For more Celtics news, visit the team page at weei.com/celtics [2].