PBA must close ranks

In the wake of findings that some players recently tested positive for dangerous drugs, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) must take a concerted stand to clean up its image.

First of all, let’s make something clear. The PBA isn’t a den of drug addicts. Far from it. There may be some players who’ve gone astray, who’ve been misguided — but for the most part, the players are clean. Let’s not forget that users are victims, not culprits. It’s important that they’re not ostracized but rather, weaned back into the fold.

Drug use is a menace that afflicts not just the PBA but all of society. The PBA knows this. That’s why it’s instituted random drug testing. From two players per team every game, PBA commissioner Noli Eala has increased the random selection to four — meaning eight players are now tested after each contest instead of only four.

Players who test positive for drug use must be given the chance to request a retest. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a player has the right to contest his test results and submit to a retest within two business days from being notified of the positive examination at a laboratory different from that which released the initial findings. The retest, however, will use the same urine sample examined in the first test.

Because of the alarm raised by the back-to-back indefinite suspensions on Jimwell Torion and Alex Crisano for drug use, the PBA might seriously consider a one-time mandatory drug test for all players — a sort of fresh start in the campaign to address the menace. That should establish the benchmark once and for all. After that’s done, the procedure of random testing of eight players after each game could commence.

I realize a mandatory test for all players is a pain. It’s expensive, tedious, and bothersome. An overreaction? Perhaps. But in the long run, it may be worth the effort. PBA players are supposed to be role models for the youth. The league must dispel all doubts that drugs are being wantonly used by millionaire players for kicks or to enhance their performance.

Beyond testing its players, the PBA could do a big service to society by initiating a nationwide campaign — using its stars as pitchmen — to inform the public of the horrors of drug use, why drugs are a menace, what to do to avoid drug use, and how to get involved in fighting the spread of drug use. Imagine the positive impact of PBA players campaigning against drug use and dependency.

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Aside from the drug problem, what’s bugging the PBA these days is the apparent lack of unity in the Board of Governors. Whatever happened to delicadeza?

It’s disturbing that an alleged member of the board chose to ventilate his gripes about chairman Casiano (Jun) Cabalan, Jr. to the press rather than take issue with him behind closed doors. Accusing Cabalan of "grave abuse of discretion" is no triviality. Going to the press instead of confronting Cabalan to demand an explanation was a low blow.

Whether Cabalan is guilty of "grave abuse of discretion" or not isn’t for this column to discuss. That’s an issue for the Board to discuss. What is disconcerting is the act of leaking to the press something that is clearly a matter for the Board to take up and resolve.

Cabalan surely has something to say about the accusation but he’d prefer to explain his side at the Board level because that’s the honorable thing to do as a gentleman who respects the sanctity of the Board.

If there are cracks within the Board, how can the PBA expect to experience a renaissance? The Board must stand united. Washing dirty linen in public defies the essence of forging a united front.

Of course, there will be disagreements in discussing issues at the Board level. There will be bitter verbal tussles. Each franchise will want to protect its own interest — that’s understandable. But for the league to progress, each owner must realize that the primary consideration is what is good for the league, not what is good for a particular franchise. Issues are put to a vote and whatever the majority decides must be binding on the entire Board, applicable to all without exception.

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As for reports that the PBA is considering to terminate its exclusive TV rights agreement with the NBN/IBC consortium, they’re highly speculative and traceable to "irresponsible" sources.

NBN chairman Mia Concio said she will fight any effort to terminate the agreement because there is no legal basis to nullify the contract. Don’t let Ms. Concio’s looks deceive you. She’s demure, winsome, and charming. But she’s a fighter through and through. She’s extremely principled. She fights for what is right and just. She’s not an Aquino for nothing — her mother Lupita is the sister of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino.

Ms. Concio worked long and hard for the exclusive TV rights to the PBA. She’s still counting sleepless nights because the work to produce a high-quality coverage is never-ending. That’s her uncompromising commitment to the PBA. She recently asked noted director Fritz Infante to assist in sprucing up the parallel broadcast on NBN and IBC. Watch the games on both channels and you’ll notice dramatic improvements, thanks to Infante’s inputs.

If there are problems in the contract, the answer isn’t to abrogate but to find solutions. That’s what a partnership is all about. Helping each other out in times of crisis, looking out for each other, trusting in each other, and working to ensure delivery of performance.

Reports that a termination is being considered are not only unfair but also demoralizing to the NBN/IBC staff that has poured out blood, sweat, and tears in working for a quality coverage.