Sidebar: Pro league under ‘Marcial’ Law

MANILA, Philippines — One thing the media – the PBA Press Corps and those in the social network – learned in a day’s work, nothing is “impasse-able” in the pro league.

Not with PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial calling the shot.

With the PBA board of governors embroiled in a scathing controversy that had divided the body during the off-season, it took the savvy of the veteran Marcial to put the crisis under control.

He pleaded to members of the media not to touch on the standoff involving the two corporate blocs in the board, triggered by the controversial trade between powerhouse San Miguel Beer and Kia.

The trade put in focus the bitter rivalry between the two blocs that threatened its  very foundation and cast a negative image on the league.

It eventually led to an impasse on the issue of extending the tenure of PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa, gathering steam to become a full-blown crisis.

But just as quickly, Marcial doused the fire by appealing to the media brat pack to focus on the upcoming PBA season and not on the impasse.

“We’re here to launch PBA Season 43. We’re appealing that we focus on the opener, and not ask questions about the impasse. We’ll have the proper venue to discuss that later,” said Marcial.

In fact, GlobalPort team owner and Rep. Mikee Romero took a hint on how Marcial handled the issue and referred it to the Mindanao strife.

“Walang Martial Law dito,” said Romero.

He, however, sees the problem being resolved soon.

“As what I have said, Dec. 17 is still the D-Day for the opening of the PBA Season 43. It’s a promise that didn’t come just from me. It’s from all the 12 PBA teams. I’m just the speaker of the 12 teams,” Romero pointed out.

Although the media group had hoped for a solid lead on the reported breakthrough in the impasse, they were cajoled into skirting the issue.

An exasperated veteran PBA scribe Noli Cortez of Malaya finally relented and threw the first question.

“Since you don’t want us to ask about the impasse,” he said facing the board members. “Then can you please tell us who your muses are?”

There was laughter in the room.

But the impasse remained in place, the board seemed to be at peace and the opener will finally raise the curtains on the 43rd season.

Thanks to Marcial Law.