Suddenly, the occasional bad call doesn't seem like such a big deal.

NBA referees' competency has always been criticized. After three high-profile negative stories in the last three months, the questions have shifted to their credibility.

One official was suspended after allegedly challenging an NBA superstar to a fight, and an academic report suggested a bias by referees against players of the opposite race.

Now, most damaging, a referee's at the center of a potential point-shaving scandal.

With the FBI investigating Tim Donaghy for allegedly betting on games that he officiated, confidence in the guys blowing the whistles may never have been lower.

Lamell McMorris, leader of the referees' union, said he recognizes the perception of officials has been damaged.