THE PBA is taking the undying criticism of parity–or lack of it–head strong.
Pro league chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT maintained fairness in sports is subjective.
“Sino ba ang top four teams and bottom squads ng UAAP? Mayroon bang parity doon? In competition, in sports, I had boxers in the Olympics, may parity ba doon na makakalaban mo mga mayayamang bansa who have more investment in training and technology?”
Vargas, also the country’s boxing chief, said yesterday during the season launch at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila in Mandaluyong.
“Sports equalize. It’s not how rich or how poor you are, it’s more than you wanting to win and your ability to win. It’s how you manage the team and how you want to win and your commitment to win,” he added.
Armchair pundits and fans alike are training their guns on the pro league’s move to prioritize the implementation of the four-point line and three new rules for the 49th season coming off the wraps this Sunday, Aug. 18, instead of addressing “farm team” allegations and unfair trades.
Vargas has an answer to the naysayers and unbelievers.
“When we are successful, there are many (leagues) who will follow suit. Today, we are alone. Tomorrow, we will be plenty,” Vargas said. “Like they say, if you do not innovate, you die. So, we have decided to innovate.
“Your PBA is going to innovate with the fans in mind.”
Vargas’ lecture on parity ended by touching on the subjectivity of the issue, going as far as citing the fate of collegiate teams.
“Parity is very subjective. In boxing, it’s a very subjective sport. I can complain all I want na mali ang judging and there will be 10 other people saying mali or tama iyong judging,” he said. “Parity is a very big question. Sino ang nagju-judge ng parity? Who is a weak team and a strong team? Is UE a weak team? But it’s the best team they put together. Is UST a weak team?
“Maybe for that season it was a weak team but this UAAP season it’s gonna be a strong team. It’s a subjective point of view.”
Whether there’s certainly a lack of parity in the PBA is a question that begs an answer–one that will only be settled when all the dust settles in.
