Vismin Super Cup team owners close ranks against game fixing

CEBU, Philippines —  The team owners involved in the Pilipinas Vismin Super Cup vowed to close ranks against match-fixing and any other forms of shenanigans that are detrimental to the league and the sport of basketball itself.

This is one of the several agreements they arrived at after a two-hour virtual meeting with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) headed by chairman Baham Mitra yesterday morning.

Mitra called the online conference in the wake of the highly controversial game between the Siquijor Mystics and the ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu City Heroes last Wednesday, April 14.

The farcical match was marred with unbelievable misses such as air-balled free throws, botched fast-break attempts, and mind-boggling turnovers that it drew ire of netizens on social media including some PBA stars and renowned sports personalities.

As a result, the Mystics were banished from the tournament while the Heroes coaching staff and some of their players were suspended and slapped with P220,000 in total fines.

“Among the agreements they made is to police their own ranks and share information against any wrongdoings, help monitor and report any advances from syndicate or their representatives,” said Mitra, who has been at the forefront in the fight against match-fixing and other illegal activities in pro sports since he assumed the post as GAB chair.

Also, Mitra divulged that the team owners are mandated to come out in the media/public and introduce themselves as a new blood and “young breed” of sportsmen.

“Also in their agreement is to conduct a seminar on code of conduct of professionals and take an oath, continue to practice health and safety protocols, uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and integrity among others,” Mitra shared. “The GAB Board also gave a warning shot not just to the teams and players but to the league management as well that we are watching you and that this will be the basis if we will continue to license them or not.”