Fryer, Borgia, Nunn given new referee positions

The NBA appointed Bernie Fryer and Joe Borgia to new positions and reassigned Ronnie Nunn on Monday in a series of moves to restructure its referees program.

The league also recently hired Gen. Ron Johnson as its senior vice president of referee operations as it tries to strengthen its officiating operations following the Tim Donaghy scandal.

Fryer, who officiated nearly 1,700 games in his 28-year career, was promoted from assistant director of officials and crew chief coordinator to vice president and director of officials. He will oversee the daily management and performance on the court of the referees.

Borgia becomes vice president of referee operations, responsible for areas such as the recruitment and training programs for the officials. He had been the NBA's director of officiating programs and development the last four years.

Nunn, the director of officials the last five years, will now report to Fryer as director of development, dealing with younger and less experienced referees.

"This restructuring, together with the recent hiring of Ron Johnson, ensures that our referees are being managed, trained and developed by a group of first-rate, dedicated professionals," Joel Litvin, the NBA president of league and basketball operations said in a statement.

"Working under Ron, the team of Bernie, Joe and Ronnie brings years of experience as both referees and managers to these new roles along with a deep commitment to maximizing the performance of our referees every time they step on the floor."

The referee program came under scrutiny last year when Donaghy pleaded guilty to betting on games he officiated and taking cash payments from gambling associates. While awaiting sentencing, the ex-official has accused some former colleagues of misconduct and bias, allegations the NBA has dismissed.

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