The ghost of game-fixing allegedly involving PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) players has come back. This time, the main source of conflict arose from games played overseas, specifically Singapore.
But on the surface, details of the exposé are sketchy. It is still a nightmare, though, as all game-fixing talks are. Off-hand, however, the reported mess has no solid basis. If at all, at this stage, it is hearsay.
Early reports have it that in 2018, a Singapore businessman approached PBA players, both active and inactive, to fix a game/s in exchange for huge sums in US dollars.
I will not name names in fairness to the players who are being linked to the alleged scandal.
That’d be tantamount to trial by publicity.
After they were dragged into the ugly glare of the spotlight by that Singaporean businessman playing the role of a whistle-blower, the PBA players deserve their day in court to clear their names.
Already, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has summoned the players linked to the alleged chaos to appear before him. Good job, Comm Willie.
It is my wish that this issue be resolved soonest as it may yet taint the country’s image when left hanging in the air, coming as it does at a time when the Fiba World Cup we would co-host with Japan and Indonesia is just 90 days or so away from blast-off.
A swift but decisive conclusion to this perceived blemish would reap tremendous benefits for our country that is hosting the global cage event for the first time in 45 years.
Speaking of the Fiba bash, its six-day Final Phase will now be held at the MOA Arena in Pasay City instead of the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“This is in service of the Filipino fans as well as those arriving from all over the world,” said Al Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
The 50,000-seat Bulacan venue, the world’s largest indoor arena, will, however, host Gilas’ inaugural game in Aug. 25.
Fiba’s Group Phase will be held at MOA, Araneta Coliseum, Okinawa Arena in Japan and Indonesia Park in Jakarta.
And while my Tukayo Al P. is firing on all cylinders to ensure a Fiba success, can we expect Comm Willie to speed up the game-fixing probe?
Methinks yes.