Most notably missing from the press conference held by NBA commissioner David Stern Tuesday, was his trademark arrogance and self-assurance of power over the league he led since 1984.

Instead, humility and vulnerability made an unusual appearance as Stern uncomfortably attempted to put into words his feelings on the federal investigation into one of his highest-rated referees, Tim Donaghy, who is allegedly linked to a points-shaving scandal involving the mob.

Bill Simmons likened the Donaghy scandal to a movie script appearing more and more likely to be a real-life incident. Stephen A. Smith said straight-up, with Sterns reputation, heads will surely roll.

The overwhelming consensus paints this as the worst among issues involving turmoil within popular American sports leagues.

Nobody, especially major sports league commissioners, wants to be in Stern’s shoes right now.

Not Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, facing fan and sponsor backlash following the indictment of star Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick in an alleged dogfighting operation.

Not Bud Selig, commissioner of the MLB, facing controversy of his league’s record books as Barry Bonds approaches the all-time home run mark amid allegations of steroid use.

Not even Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, whose league is the least popular of all American sports, proved earlier this year when a playoff game was bumped so NBC could air horse racing pre-race coverage.

One minute Stern is laying down the law, forcing league-wide rules enforcing player dress codes and silencing outspoken players, coaches and owners who question officials. The next minute, the Mark Cubans and Rasheed Wallaces of the league have a more stable foot to stand on in terms of their constant bickering at officiating.

Not being one who bought much into conspiracy theories, I shied away from the calls that the 2006 NBA Finals were fixed. Although it was quite apparent that Dwayne Wade shot more free throws than the Mavericks’ entire team in games 3 and 4, Dirk Nowitzki did his part to help the “other, non-conspiracy side” by showing off his fear of the paint (reiterated in the 2007 NBA Playoffs against Golden State), opting for the fade-away instead of charging towards the rim. With these recent allegations, does it all change? Yes.

Donaghy did not work that particular series, but if recent reports are true, other referee names are set to be handed over from the accused and then we have a whole new style of whistleblowing on our hands as sports fans.

Right now, these are only accusations against the NBA and referee Tim Donaghy. Indications from the Stern press conference, as well as the F.B.I. investigative reports, make it easy to lean towards complete turmoil and chaos in a league that has very little room for error.

David Stern claims the alleged Donaghy scanal is an isolated issue and, for his own sake, it had better be. Because right now NBA fans everywhere are dusting off all their favorite teams’ best conspiracy theories involving referees and bad calls and, what do you know, they may all have a point.

Nothing short of a complete absolution of charges will save the credibility of Stern’s control over the NBA. As Sandra Roberts, of the New York Times, says, Stern exhaulted the refs above the law, beyond reproach.

Now he must pay for his misplaced, overcompensation of power he only thought he had.