(Continued from page 28)

by the watchdog group Transparency International.
• Recent scandals in business, politics and sports, however, may put that reputation under threat. Some observers say the South Pacific nation's sterling record for fairness may have made it complacent and less watchful for shady behavior.
• Perhaps the biggest blow to the national psyche comes from bribery allegations against several top cricket players. Former New Zealand team player Lou Vincent last week was charged with 14 offences under the England Cricket Board's anti-corruption code for alleged fixing in two English county matches. He's hasn't denied the allegations and said in a statement he "remains accountable for his actions."
• Investigations continue into other players, including former national hero Chris Cairns, who denies any wrongdoing.
• In politics, one lawmaker, John Banks, is on trial, fighting allegations he failed to properly report donations. Another, Maurice Williamson, recently resigned his ministerial portfolios after acknowledging he improperly contacted police about their investigation into an associate and party donor who was facing assault charges.
• ___

• NEW YORK (AP) -- Donald Sterling and the NBA are headed toward a hearing that will determine if he remains owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
• Unless Shelly Sterling finds a buyer for the team first.
• The Sterlings were part combative, part cooperative Tuesday, with Donald Sterling fighting to keep his team even as his estranged wife said he had authorized her to sell it.
• He didn't seem willing to give it up -- at least not without a fight -- in his passionate response to the league's attempt to oust him.
• "We do not believe a court in the United States of America will enforce the draconian penalties imposed on Mr. Sterling in these circumstances, and indeed, we believe that preservation of Mr. Sterling's constitutional rights requires that these sham proceedings be terminated in Mr. Sterling's favor," the response said.
•