Is it true – Part 3 - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

A few days ago, former Pasig Mayor Mario Raymundo asked for hints on the identities of those sports figures mentioned in "blind items" in our "Is it true" series. I wish I could oblige but my lips are sealed – part of the intrigue, you know.

Some fans said the "Is it true" series is a welcome change but only once in a while – don’t overdo it. They’re right. I’m not used to this showbiz-type sleuthing. My friends call in leads and to them should go the credit for this unraveling. But wait. I must stress that our "Is it true" series isn’t just for the sake of needling or rumor-mongering. I’d like to think there’s a more noble purpose to it all, which is, to put the "culprits" on notice that they’re in the spotlight – so better straighten out before the sh*t hits the fan, or so the saying goes.

Anyway, here’s Part 3 of "Is it true." To those who feel alluded to, let me assure them that it’s deliberate.

Is it true that a popular professional fighter recently tested his new 5mm pistol by firing at a friend? It supposedly happened in a province in Mindanao. The friend, who doubles as a trainer, just came in from Manila and greeted the fighter who didn’t seem to be in a good mood. "Kumusta, idol?" said the friend. Without a word of warning, the fighter pulled out his pistol and fired. Luckily, the bullet hit the ground and spared the friend who pleaded for his life. Is the firearm licensed to the fighter? Why is he packing a gun? A little bird chirped that a relative of the fighter’s wife advised that someone with his stature must carry a gun. Aren’t his fists considered deadly weapons? What is the fighter afraid of? Is it true that driving a car, he once struck a pedestrian who turned out to be a prominent lawyer’s son? Is it true that he gulps down beer by the case?

Please, please, if the rumors are true, let’s pray for the fighter’s reform.

Is it true that a married Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star, in a conscience decision, let go of his sexy girlfriend only for her to fall into the arms of a swaggering import?

Is it true that a PBA star recently dined with six lovely lasses, including a sexy actress (who has performed during a PBA halftime show), at a cozy eatery near the ABS-CBN building in Quezon City? The star has split from his wife but a little bird saw them a week ago conversing in the lobby of a Makati condo. Are there rumblings of a reconciliation?

Is it true that a deported Fil-Sham is raring to stage a comeback in the PBA? His new ambition in life is to silence his detractors who questioned his Filipino lineage. But is he really a Fil-Am or a Fil-Sham?

Is it true that over 10 Filipino "delegates" were accredited to attend the recent World Boxing Council (WBC) annual convention in Mexico City but none had anything to do with the sport? Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Dominador Cepeda was reportedly shocked out of his pants when WBC President Jose Sulaiman showed him the list of dubious delegates who, of course, never showed up at the meet. The question is: Who facilitated their application for accreditation as convention delegates?

Is it true that a well-liked, jobless PBA coach will return to call the shots for a team in the doldrums next season?

Is it true that two PBA coaches are head-and-shoulders above their colleagues in terms of monthly salary?

Is it true that there’s a shadowy character in Mindanao ferrying fighters to see action abroad without GAB clearance? In Thailand where Filipino visitors are required no visas, the dark trade is booming. Is it true that unrated, unskilled, and unheralded fighters are passed off as toughies, "borrowing" names of rated contenders, only to be later exposed as sacrificial lambs? The frequency of Filipinos losing by first round knockout is alarming. Someone could get killed. Unless of course, a fighter takes a quick dive to avoid getting hurt and runs away with his purse. Is it true that this same shadowy character recently shipped two fighters to the US on tourist visas? One of them took a fight at short notice and lost by knockout in the fourth round to a highly-rated contender. The flesh trade doesn’t only apply to prostitutes.

Is it true that a Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) Fil-Am is all set to join a PBA team only his US agent is asking for money to compensate his previous club? Since the player has been released, he has no obligation to pay his former team. So why the fuss? The PBA team is availing of its direct-hire-from-the-MBA privilege to sign up the Fil-Am who, apparently, has a Department of Justice clearance.

Is it true that a PBA import was recently taken to court for rape? Alas, the import is gone. He left town because of an injury – in his head?

Is it true that a PBA player’s toe has turned black because of an ill-fitting shoe but he can’t complain as he’s got a contract to endorse the footwear? What a player will do for a deal. A few months ago, Vince Carter supposedly broke out of his shoe contract because he wasn’t comfortable wearing the sneakers.

Is it true that a Southern businessman gave two PBA players prized fighting cocks – one valued at P50,000 – for the pleasure of riding with him in his limousine? Cheap thrills.

And that’s the end of Part 3 in our "It is true" series. Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.