NEW YORK — A former classmate of disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy has pleaded guilty in connection with a betting scandal.

Thomas Martino entered his plea today in Brooklyn federal court to conspiracy to defraud the NBA, and faces 12 to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced on July 11.

His co-defendant, professional gambler James Battista, is due in court Monday.

Martino told a judge he paid Donaghy for "good picks" on NBA games.

"If Donaghy's picks won, he was paid for his information," Martino said.

Donaghy faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. He pleaded guilty last year to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce.

Donaghy said he made NBA bets for four years, even wagering on games he worked. He also admitted recommending bets to high-stakes gamblers and collecting $5,000 if his picks hit.

The three men attended high school together in Springfield, Pa.