PBA storm: Fab 5 offers olive branch Will Magnificent 7 accept peace overture?
The crisis that stared the PBA in the eye and threatened its existence could be over before one can say Los Angeles. Five members of the PBA board, including representatives of three teams from San Miguel Corporation, have extended a hand of reconciliation to the other seven members yesterday in the hopes of finding a solution to the burning issue of whether to retain or kick out PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa.
In a press statement issued by San Miguel, Star, Barangay Ginebra, GlobalPort and Kia, it sought to “resolve the impasse as a collegial body, and not as individuals” for the best interest of the league and its fans.
“We trust we would be able to resolve issues concerning Commissioner Narvasa’s tenure,” said the statement.
The five board members are hoping to break the impasse before they leave for Los Angeles on November 10 for the annual PBA planning session.
Likewise, the five teams asked their counterparts – TNT KaTropa, NLEX, Meralco, Blackwater, Phoenix Fuel, Rain or Shine and Alaska – to stop issuing statements that may further inflame the already volatile situation.
“We appeal to the other members of the board to refrain from issuing any statement, making further comments, assumptions and judgments until after we deliberate on, and settle, this standoff,” the statement said.
“Accordingly, the PBA will proceed with the normal course of its business operations within the parameters of its Bylaws and Constitution,” the statement added.
Asked to comment on the gesture of the five teams, incoming board chairman Ramoncito Fernandez of NLEX said in a text message to the Bulletin: “Good sign… Channels are open.”
Prior to his comment, however, Fernandez initially issued a statement asking for Narvasa to make the ultimate sacrifice and step down as commissioner.
“If the Commissioner really loves the PBA and the Public as he conveniently espouses, he may make the supreme sacrifice of voluntarily stepping down to prevent a division of the Board and stalled basketball operations,” he said.
A source within the PBA clarified Fernandez’ scathing statement preceded the five teams’ call for restraint and recommitment to the cause of the national team.
The other day, the seven teams passed a resolution to not renew the term of Narvasa for the 43rd season starting December 17, citing a loss of confidence.
The commissioner has been under fire since he approved a trade involving powerhouse San Miguel and Kia, which gave away the rights to its No. 1 pick which SMB used to select FilipinoGerman Christian Standhardinger in the Rookie Draft last Sunday.
The seven were hoping to oust Narvasa but failed to get the necessary two-thirds vote, or eight teams, to expel him from office.
The seven members also appointed Rickie Santos, currently the deputy c o m m i s - sioner for basketball operations, as OfficerIn-Charge until a new commissioner is
The five members, however, released its own statement backing up Narvasa, calling the move unauthorized based on the Constitution and Bylaws of the PBA.
Narvasa also issued a statement where expressed his disappointment, maintaining that he has always been fair and transparent with his decisions, including trades.
As this developed, the five teams reiterated their commitment to the national team, making their players – June Mar Fajardo of SMB, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, GlobalPort’s Terrence Romeo and Star’s Jio Jalalon, available when Gilas Pilipinas practice session resumes Friday evening at the Meralco gym in Pasig City.
The national team will see action in the FIBA-Asia qualifying tournament for the 2019 World Cup in China starting this month.
“We believe this should not be adversely affected by the board members’ differences in opinion. We reiterate that we are doing this to protect the league we all love, the game of basketball and the millions of fans who continue to support us,” said the statement of the five teams. appointed.