by Migi
Outrage.
That's precisely what the Philippine Basketball community ought to be feeling as a result of the recent shooting of FEU cager Marnel Baracael.
As of earlier today, there have been a number of pundits who have speculated that Baracael, who had led the Tams in scoring this season, was targeted because of unfulfilled game-fixing obligations. UAAP commissioner Chito Narvasa encouraged the public to tone down speculation, as the incident, as he described, was already unfortunate as it stood at the time.
Game-fixing? Should that even be going on? Why do we even need to consider that as possible motivation for heartless members of society to wreck havoc on the otherwise innocent?
Friends, basketball is a "way of life", they say, but ultimately, it is just a game. So, for those who are in the business of using the game as a sabre in the name of greed, I have only one thing to say to you.
Shame on you.
While no one is certain that game-fixing was what was behind Baracael's shooting, the fact that it remains an option as an alibi is downright painful to bear witness to. Have people become so callous that even athletic endeavors become outlets of violence on levels that are life-threatening?
This isn't Munich 1972 in terms of magnitude, but then, the essence of it is the same. Why mix in politics, vices, and avarice with sports, which should be about enjoyment, clean competition, and discipline?
The Munich reference was one waiting to happen. It is an Olympic year, after all, and the violence that happened in Germany in the said year was appalling. But then, I digress.
Whether or not authorities nab the person responsibile for gunning down Marnel Baracael, one thing is for certain- Philippine Basketball has gotten yet another splashing of cold water. While freak accidents/incidents will be freak accidents/incidents, officials should put a premium on ensuring that participants in athletic competitions be kept safe from destructive elements. Being someone who watches UAAP games a lot, in particular, I can say that venue security, especially when games are played in smaller venues like Ninoy Aquino Memorial Coliseum or the Philsports Arena, could still be amped up. UAAP fans will be UAAP fans, but then, some lines still need to be drawn. Whenever fans can follow cagers like Chris Tiu to areas near the arena's locker room area, well, that's when you realize that security isn't quite at the top of the grocery lists of the UAAP's top brass.
Not that the UAAP or other sports outfits have security as bad as a pair of slacks with a buster garter, but then, like I mentioned, aiming for a higher standard rarely ever hurts.
Postscript: The FEU Tamaraws downed the UE Red Warriors in a tight one this afternoon. The Tams, who dedicated the game to the fallen Mac Baracael, coupled an inspired effort with sound execution down the stretch. UE on the other hand, who fell to 3-3 with today's defeat, crumbled under the pressure in the waining minutes of the game. Mark Barroca waltzed in for a layup in the final minute, and the game's final free throw, which was missed long, wasn't even chased down by the Warriors as time ticked down. Dindo Pumaren tongue lashing after the match? Most likely. Tears in the eyes of Ben Fernandez and the rest of the FEU players? Yes, it happened, and it was poignant, and utterly priceless.
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