21 February 2017

Anybody Still Believe PBA Officiating is Impartial?

Commissioner Narvasa
It has been a long time since the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) saw two Game Sevens in the Philippine Cup semifinals. How they reached the do-or-die game remains questionable, but the more pressing issue is if the league will let players decide the games by making sure officiating will be 'impartial' and 'transparent'?

In a statement released through the pro league’s official Twitter account last 20 February, Commissioner Andres Narvasa addressed concerns aired by teams and fans on the way games are called by officials in the playoffs.

"From the start, we have called the games as they are. We have always been open to dialogue with teams' coaches and officials to continuously improve the officiating," Narvasa said.

"We have even removed discretionary calls from the referees for the purpose of eliminating questionable calls. Non-calls and wrong calls are part and parcel of officiating, they are considered honest mistakes.

"Rest assured that there is impartiality and transparency in each and every call. We are always open to scrutiny," maintained Narvasa.

Anybody still believed Narvasa when he said that? Controversy over officiating has marred both the San Miguel-TNT series (San Miguel won) and the Ginebra-Star playoff. There is no question about it.

In order to generate revenues from the fledgling league, many fans are thinking that the officials are resorting to dirty tactics just to extend the series.

The 'integrity and fairness' has long been sacrificed by the PBA in favor of attracting fans to watch Barangay Ginebra, Star Hotshots and San Miguel Beermen play extended minutes on the floor.

The game and the sries is not about the X and Os anymore. It's has become a fodder of gold for many PBA officials.

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