The gambler who was the focus of last year’s NBA betting scandal now claims that 13 referees were also involved.

Jimmy “The Sheep” Battista pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transmit wagering information in connection with NBA official Tim Donaghy and served a term of 15 months in federal prison.

Battista says he has the phone records to backup his claim.

Donaghy served 15 months in prison for taking money in exchange for giving tips on NBA games to a professional gambler.

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In 2008, NBA commish David Stern called Donaghy a “rogue, isolated criminal.”

Battista adds that he had a so-called “Big-5″ of reliable refs with Tim Donaghy being the “King,” who he says provided a winning pick 78 percent of the time in games in which he was involved.

Battista is reportedly making these claims in preparation for a tell-all book deal.

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