WAKE-UP CALL

Alaska Aces team owner
Wilfred Steven Uytengsu.

Alaska Aces team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu made an interesting remarks during the  2010 PBA Press Corps Annual Awards Wednesday night. Uytengsu, who was named PBA Executive of the Year, said it’s time for the league to take a serious look at those teams that has complete disregard of the salary cap rule. He wonders how other teams operate with top-notch players from number one spot to the last man on the bench, who are all good to be starters on other ball clubs, without violating the cap, according to The STAR. This issue would make a good wake-up call for new PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.

“A lot of the burden falls on our new commissioner but it is incumbent upon all teams to reflect on what is right. They must think league first. Is winning at all costs really the right thing to do?

“If the oldest professional basketball league in Asia deserves to have the respect of a broader audience, then it must toe the line. Rules cannot be bent and one cannot simply look the other way when dubious trades are made. Selling prized talent to a richer team for the other team to make its own payroll is not good for the league. The parity will be distorted and we will return to the old days of a two or three dominant teams.

“Is it really believable that some teams can be so talent-laden that 10 or even all 12 players on their bench – all could be starters on most other teams – are within the cap? What about players that are offered sizeable amounts above and beyond the maximum individual cap? Where is the parity in that? If we need to review maximum amounts, then so be it. But you can’t have rules that are not enforced.

“I would rather lose with honor than win with shame.”