Inside Game is a 2019 American sports film directed by Randall Batinkoff. The movie is based on the true story of NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who was caught betting on games he was officiating. The film stars Scott Wolf as Donaghy, along with Eric Mabius and Will Sasso as the two men who pressured him into betting on games.
The story follows Donaghy, who is struggling with a gambling addiction and a failing marriage. He befriends two childhood friends, Tommy Martino (Mabius) and Baba Battista (Sasso), who are involved in organized crime. They convince Donaghy to use his insider knowledge to help them make money by betting on NBA games.
Donaghy initially resists, but after Martino threatens his family, he agrees to provide them with insider information. Donaghy begins betting on games and providing them with picks, but eventually, his actions are discovered by the FBI, and he is arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce.
As the case unfolds, Donaghy becomes a key witness for the prosecution, revealing the extent of his illegal activities and implicating Martino and Battista in the scheme. The film portrays the corruption and greed that underlies professional sports and raises questions about the integrity of the NBA.
Inside Game received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances of the cast but criticizing the film's pacing and lack of depth. Despite this, it remains a compelling and fascinating look at one of the biggest scandals in sports history.