Comish on the ball

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala said yesterday he is undertaking several steps for the pro league to be more prepared in dealing with situations like the recent Eugene Tejada accident.

The first thing Eala did was to review the PBA’s contract with Lifeline Arrows, the agency that is supposed to provide a standby medical team and ambulance in specific venues, including Antipolo, where games are held.

Eala is also considering to strengthen league physician Dr. Ben Salud’s courtside medical team by recruiting an orthopedic specialist. Other measures are for the PBA to purchase its own emergency first-aid equipment such as a spinal board, for the league staff to undergo a seminar on quick-reaction remedies in response to game accidents and for the PBA to formulate a health insurance plan or disability benefit program for players.

Eala confirmed that no Lifeline Arrows team was on standby outside the Ynares Center last Sunday when Tejada suffered a bad fall that dislocated his vertebrae and it took about 40 minutes before an ambulance arrived.

"Of course, nobody wanted something like that to happen," said Eala. "I have a letter from Lifeline saying because of the typhoon at the time, the ambulances would only be on call for the PBA as they had to be ready for whatever eventuality caused by the storm. That was the message from the Lifeline call center. It was unfortunate that Eugene’s accident happened on the day the Lifeline ambulances were on standby for another emergency."

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Eala visited Tejada at the Makati Medical Center last Monday evening and stayed for 1 1/2 hours.

"When I got there, Eugene was asleep but he woke up about 10 minutes later," related Eala. "He was in high spirits and joked around with his visitors, including Dondon (Hontiveros) and (San Miguel Beer team physical therapist) Dondi (Narciso). He could already move his arms but was advised to stay still. I told Eugene not to worry about a thing and that the PBA would do everything to help him."

Eala said he was touched by Hontiveros’ suggestion that the players themselves were willing to put up a fund for Tejada’s rehabilitation.

"Dondon mentioned the players could contribute, say, P5,000 each for a fund to help out Eugene," said Eala. ‘In fact, our vice chairman (Ricky Vargas of Talk ‘N’ Text) thought of a system where the teams and the PBA could share in building up a health insurance or disability benefit fund."

Eala said he viewed the "training" tape of the incident the day after and the reverse angle from what was aired on TV clearly showed the lurid sequence of the accident.

"In my opinion, there was no malice involved," said Eala. "Roger (Yap) drove in for a layup and Mick (Pennisi) tried to draw the charge. Eugene got the offensive rebound and fell with his legs under him. Marc (Pingris) pushed Enrico (Villanueva) who nudged Mick whose jersey was grabbed by Roger. Mick fell on Eugene who was like a crumpled can on the floor. Mick fell on Eugene’s neck and shoulder. Eugene took the full impact of his fall and Mick’s fall."

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Eala said he left the Ynares Center after the first period of the Purefoods-Red Bull game for dinner with his family on Mother’s Day. He planned to go back to the stadium to finish the game.

"I went to see my mom," said Eala. "I was in Boracay for an international dragon boat event last week and should’ve been back last Friday only the boat ride to Caticlan and all flights were cancelled because of the typhoon. I was supposed to be back for the PBA games on Friday. I ended up missing the Friday games and also the La Union game on Saturday. I finally got on the Asian Spirit flight at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday."

Eala competes for the Drago Pilipinas team in the local dragon boat racing circuit. In Boracay, Drago finished seventh of 17 teams, including six foreign entries. The competition was won by a Camarines Sur crew.

"I didn’t leave the stadium last Sunday because I was tired," said Eala. "I’m stronger than a cow. I left to see my mom. When I was called on the phone in the restaurant about Eugene’s accident, I monitored what was happening closely. My brother Juvy, who’s a doctor and a trauma specialist, was with me at the family dinner and advised to immobilize Eugene. It was like I was there. I even spoke with (Purefoods representative to the Board of Governors) Mr. (Rene) Pardo about the possibility of conceding the game. In the end, it was decided to push through with the game when the Lifeline ambulance arrived."

Eala said in the past, PBA commissioners received an allowance for attending each game.

"I receive no game allowance because I took it out of the budget," said Eala. "There’s no reason why the commissioner has to be given a monetary incentive to go to the games when it’s his duty to attend in the first place."

Postscript. Here are two more Mother’s Day messages not included in last Sunday’s column. From Manny Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee—(for Rosalina Capena Jamora) "My mom’s the best mom in the world because she never stops helping me most especially when I have problems and for taking care of us. My wish for her is that she will have a long life to stay in this world and good health always. Thanks for being my mom. I will always be here for her and take good care of her as she grows older and older." From PBA commissioner Noli Eala—(for Rita Eala) "To my mother who never gave up and will never give up on me, who is the inspiration of our family. May you always have the strength to support us, the wisdom to guide us and the love to keep us whole. I love you, Inay!" "From Red Bull assistant coach Gee Abanilla: "Let’s pray for Eugene Tejada! Lord, heal him. We rebuke any paralysis on his body. We ask for quick recovery in Jesus’ name. Amen! Please pass."