LOS ANGELES — As if “Stern” were his middle name, too, NBA commissioner David Stern was firm and unwavering with his defense of NBA officials, in light of allegations made by disgraced former official Tim Donaghy.
In a court filing, Donaghy claimed that certain officials were “company men,” manipulating the outcome of a 2002 Lakers-Kings playoff game.
“The allegations about that are incorrect, are not true,” Stern said. “I didn’t think it was fair for (the other officials) to have to respond or anyone to have to respond for them against the allegations by an admitted felon that somehow all or a large swath of NBA officials had engaged in illegal conduct.”
Stern acknowledged that the FBI’s investigation included a look into the role of Dick Bavetta, a longtime official who worked the 2002 game. Speaking to , former official Hue Hollins said federal investigators “questioned me about Dick Bavetta more than they did about Tim Donaghy.”
Asked if he had any concerns about Bavetta, Stern said: “No.”
As for Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals, Stern admitted the game was “not one of the best-refereed games” but that it was officiated honestly.
Donaghy, who is scheduled to be sentenced in July, admitted to betting on games he officiated, as well as taking cash payments to provide gambling associates with privileged information.
