Liquidated

The other week I wrote about how EJ Obiena fought for his right to vault one more time in Tokyo. This week the field phenom again brought to fore his candor, not to clear the bar to rimless flight but to clear his name in the bar of public accountability. And opinion.

This after the athletics federation ordered him in writing to return at least P4.8 million in coaching fees. The letter reads, “it appears that you falsified” liquidation. Strong word. Falsified. Fortified by the second person “you” equivalent to finger pointing. And the phrase “it appears” did not temper or sanitize the innuendo. While such disclaimer is consistent with presumption of innocence invoked by Obiena, it reveals loss of trust and confidence that hurt him to the core he now contemplates vaulting to other life options including quitting the sport. At his peak.

The demand for reimbursement is welcome if there is strong evidence of misappropriation. Allegedly, foreign coach Vitaly Petrov stated under oath his winged ward flew with his coaching salary. Fake news alert, why would he continue to train Obiena if he is not paid for it? True enough, Mr. Petrov himself denied the statement and cleared EJ of any wrongdoing. End of story? Not yet, EJ now demands apology. Rightfully.

But understandably, indications of falsification warrant investigation, even if turns out based on false information. The federation is duty bound to protect public purse. But the demand would not have offended had it been written differently. With circumspect, choosing better words that still send the message across. Other than “falsified” tinged with moral turpitude, there are many other nonjudgmental words that do not compromise authority in demanding public accountability. Irregular is one of them.

In fairness to the probe team, I have not read the demand letter that is reportedly confidential. I referred to quotations from credible news sources. It may be spliced or taken out of context. But EJ the addressee who read its entirety is hurt for being unfairly judged.

Writing is personal to the author whose choice of words deserves respect. But I would have started on a positive note, appreciate Obiena for everything he has done for flag and country. Then invite his attention to certain irregularities or deficiencies in his liquidation. EJ himself admitted to untimely and imperfect liquidation. Neither amounts to misappropriation. Minor discrepancies strengthen authenticity, immaculately clean presupposes a miracle just happened. Not of divine providence, but of human stratagem. And decadence.

 After showing him parts that need clarity, urge him to further substantiate his accounting to comply with audit rules. If indeed there were affidavits accusing EJ of failure to pay his coach, ask his opinion about their authenticity. Or better yet, verify the matter directly with the coach to identify who falsified, EJ’s bone of contention. And resentment. If he fails to deny or admit, that would have been a more compelling reason to theorize falsification. Am I saying go easy on EJ? Not necessarily. But there are better ways to demand liquidation without liquidating the liquidator.