That was the message from NBA commissioner David Stern, who came to the defense of his beleaguered referees again, saying they do not manipulate games or engage in other criminal activity.

"Our officials try very hard with complete integrity and honesty to referee perfect games," Stern said Thursday night. "That they fail, 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."

Speaking to reporters at an NBA Finals that has been overshadowed by the Donaghy scandal, Stern said Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference finals might have been officiated poorly, but honestly and not illegally.

"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," Stern said.

Donaghy claimed this week in a court filing that two "company men" worked that game, in which a huge free-throw advantage in the fourth quarter helped the Los Angeles Lakers avoid elimination against Sacramento.

"The allegations about that are incorrect," Stern said. "Not true."

He said he felt "disconcerted" for Boston and Los Angeles players in the finals, and especially the officials - usually prevented from speaking on their own behalf because of league rules - who have to "defend themselves against allegations by one of their fallen brethren."

So Stern took up the defense for them, calling a news conference that began a half-hour before Game 4. He has spoken to reporters before the last three games, the last two to respond to Donaghy's allegations.

Stern acknowledged that the FBI investigation into Donaghy's claims included questions about Dick Bavetta, one of the officials who worked Game 6 in 2002, but he reiterated that "the only person now being sentenced for a crime is Mr. Donaghy."

Donaghy, a graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Delaware County, and Villanova University who now lives in Bradenton, Fla., has admitted he bet on games he officiated, took cash payments from associates, and gave them information to win their bets.

Scheduled to be sentenced next month, Donaghy, 41, is making the league very uncomfortable in the meantime.

His latest accusations - that the league gave special treatment to star players and sought to extend series for better ratings and that some officials enjoyed special relationships with players - have reignited suspicions of league conspiracies.

Because of that, Stern said referees, already interviewed as part of a separate investigation Stern had former federal prosecutor Lawrence Pedowitz conduct, will be talked to again so their defense can be clear.

"In light of the media coverage here, we will go back and prospectively ask the questions of officials in effect again with respect to specific acts," Stern said, "even though they've all been interviewed, so that I could sit here in front of you, really on behalf of our officials, who don't engage with you on a regular basis, to say, 'No, no, no, a thousand times no.' "

Hawks. Mike Woodson signed a new contract to continue as the head coach in Atlanta for at least two more seasons.

Woodson, a former 76ers assistant under Larry Brown, has compiled a 106-122 record in four seasons with the Hawks.

Atlanta made the playoffs this season for the first time under Woodson and extended the Celtics, who had the NBA's best record, to seven games in the first round. It was the Hawks' first postseason berth in nine years.

Cavaliers. Cleveland officials declined permission for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to play for Lithuania in the Olympics.

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said Ilgauskas was a higher-risk player because of his injury history. The 7-foot-3 Ilgauskas was plagued by foot injuries early in his career, and the Cavs are concerned about his lower back.

Ilgauskas needed permission to play because his contract is not fully insured.

Jordan granted injunction. A Pennsylvania woman who says Michael Jordan fathered her child despite two DNA tests to the contrary has been barred from contacting the basketball great, his family or his representatives.

Judge Gordon Miller granted the permanent injunction against Lisa Miceli, 35, of Meadville, who said Jordan fathered her 4-year-old son.