Limpag: Bubble gang (Sabong News)
Author
MIKE T. LIMPAG
Date
AUGUST 23 2020
THE story of CJ Cansino’s departure from the University of Sto. Tomas is full of sub-plots if you pay just enough attention.
The first one, of course, is that training bubble the UST men’s basketball team got into, one that apparently was without the blessing of the IATF. (Couldn’t they have just called it a training mañanita or a visit to the Ocean Park to get away with it?). The Philippine Sports Commission has stepped in, while the UST has vowed to conduct its own investigation.
I think this is the first time that the PSC will dig into the affairs of a UAAP member. It’s not its mandate but it seems the PSC has gotten extra authority because of the pandemic and now oversees amateur sports. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I’m just stating a fact that the PSC has gotten an extra mandate. In the past, I’ve read some online appeals for the agency to step in into college sports affairs but these were brushed aside because it wasn’t their mandate.
Now, will the agency crack the whip for this violation or will this yet be added to a long list of violations that was let go because those breaking the law were special like The Bold one and the Mouthpiece? I won’t be surprised if that happens.
Another thing that happened quickly, which surprised some but shouldn’t be a surprise at all, is how quickly the University of the Philippines signed him up. We all know athletes get special attention but I didn’t know it was this special. I mean, come on, have you ever heard of another student who, just days after saying he wants to transfer to UP, somehow gets into UP? Without entrance exams and all?
Then there’s the UST training bubble itself. Last I heard, the league was planning a January restart and why is UST training six months ahead? And didn’t GAB punish a PBA team two months ago for going ahead with team practice sans its blessing? Why, did the coaching staff of the Growling Tigers think the team was exempted?
It’s not like they’re the only ones itching to play hoops. Lots of people are but most have been paying attention to what is or isn’t allowed. (Unless of course, you’re one of the sabongeros who’ve been giving Baham Mitra a mighty headache lately.)
So, what do you think will the next development be in the Bubble gang saga? Your guess is as good as mine. I just hope though that this won’t be another special case like the Bold one’s mañanita.
