Stern Says Allegations 'Not True'

LOS ANGELES, June 12 -- For the third day in a row, NBA Commissioner David Stern addressed former referee Tim Donaghy's allegations that game officials were involved in altering the outcomes of playoff games and intentionally made or didn't make calls based on how they would affect television ratings.

Stern was asked about Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference finals between the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers, during which, Donaghy said, two officials -- whom he referred to as "company men" -- called fouls against the Kings to prolong the series. "My memory recalls that that was not one of my best-refereed games," Stern said. "I'm saying to you that the allegations about that are incorrect, are not true. I don't even fudge words, okay. They are not true."

Stern did say, however, that the league will re-interview every single referee on Donaghy's latest allegations about the 2002 and 2005 playoff series.

Stern said the results of a probe by independent investigator Lawrence Pedowitz won't be released until Donaghy is sentenced next month. Donaghy was convicted of a felony for his involvement in a conspiracy to assist gamblers.

He contended that officials get "about 90 percent or so of the calls correct." He added that Lakers Coach Phil Jackson's suggestion that referees become a separate entity from the NBA "would not be a wise management decision."

"I think that it's important to sit here and say to you that the accusations that we manipulate games . . . the facts underlying those, they're false. We don't," Stern said.

"On behalf of my officials, I'd like to tell you that they don't engage in the criminal conduct of which Mr. Donaghy has accused them. Our officials try very hard with complete integrity and honesty to referee perfect games. That they fail in that makes them human but not objects of the kind of ridicule and scorn to which they have been unfairly subjected for the last three days."

Magic Smiles Upon Finals

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson won two of his five NBA championships against the Boston Celtics, facing them three times in the Finals. He flashed his patented smile as he walked through a Staples Center tunnel before Game 4 on Thursday, pleased that this rivalry has been renewed after 21 years.

"Everybody is so hyped on this series," said Johnson, an executive with the Lakers. "This is really fun for the league and fun for everybody. I'm happy for the NBA and I'm happy for [Celtics general manager] Danny Ainge and [Lakers GM] Mitch Kupchak, who both took a lot of [flak] for a year or two and now they both are showing the NBA and everybody in basketball how you can turn a franchise around by making quality, good trades."

Johnson then explained why he was happy for Ainge, a former rival. "Boston and L.A. got the most fans all over the country, so you happy because the league wouldn't have this type of stage if the Celtics are not in it or the Lakers are not in it," he said. "When I played, I didn't want anybody else but the Celtics."

He added that he was disappointed that friend and former rival Larry Bird, the Indiana Pacers' president of basketball operations, was unable to attend this series. Bird is helping the Pacers prepare for the NBA draft.

"It's too bad that he can't enjoy it like I can. His friend is running the team in Danny Ainge. I'm sure he would like to be here with [John] Havlicek, M.L. Carr and Jo Jo White and Bill Russell. Some of the other greats who have made it from the Celtics, just like the Lakers who have their guys here."