Missing the point
THE events that transpired at the Vismin Cup bubble last April 14 leave more questions than answers.
As everyone knows, the match between Lapu Lapu City and Siquijor was suspended with the former leading, 27-13, in the second quarter.
That match was marred by deliberately missed free throws, layups and bizarre turnovers.
Were the match not shown on livestream, it might have gone unnoticed. But the comments and diatribes on social media brought so much attention to the league—just not the kind they wanted.
The next day, the Vismin Cup kicked out the Siquijor team while fining and suspending some of the coaches and players of Lapu Lapu.
Two days after that infamous match, the league announced that two of the Siquijor players were absolved of any wrong doing as they were not present during the match. And currently, some of the Siquijor players are appealing the decision handed down on them.
Names have been dropped and reported in media and no doubt, this will hound all participants for the rest of their lives.
While Filipinos are said to have short memories, there will always be that doubt.
I have no idea how they conduct their business but I would surmise they would watch the tape of the game with both teams so they can explain, offer their excuses and rebuttals on the spot. Then after that, deliberate and make their decisions on what happens.
Instead, a blanket decision was made that I think makes the league look unprofessional. Coming out with statements and decisions that aren’t equitable or correct or even a lack thereof do not help one iota.
As it is, what’s next? Was an investigation done into this alleged match fixing? Where does this lead to? Don’t you want to find out where it leads to? How come we never heard from Siquijor especially whoever owns the team? In fact, who are the team owners? We heard they are young people.
This reminds me of another local league which have problems of their own but there is a startling lack of transparency.
After the events surrounding April 14’s match, I heard all sorts of whispers and rumors from people outside and on the ground but all off the record. And until it is clear, they remain just that— whispers and rumors.
Why is it when these things happen, no one wants to confront the bull in the china shop?
The idea of the Vismin Cup is something that everyone embraces. I like the fact that it provides opportunities for a lot more people. With the Philippines Basketball Association and the main collegiate leagues—university Athletic Association of the Philippines and National Collegiate Athletic Association—crowded beyond belief, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and the Vismin Cup provide more opportunities for coaches, players and staff to showcase their capabilities.
People and sports organizations should make the most and get the best out of every opportunity. To be conferred by the Games and Amusements Board with a professional license to operate and to play is a privilege especially in this ongoing pandemic.
I wonder how they missed that.