Imports get together

"The assist y ou need to make that shot count."

That’s the slogan of the American International Players Association (AIPA) which was organized in 1999 to protect and support American imports playing basketball around the world. It’s a come-on for imports to join in.

There are thousands of imports making a living in short pants and sneakers. When they get together to exchange notes, you hear horror stories of unscrupulous employers refusing to pay players despite guaranteed contracts or players taking money and leaving unsuspecting employers without notice. You hear tales of players suffering injuries during a practice or a game with their teams refusing to pay the medical bills or players shaving points to pocket serious bucks on big bets.

Clearly, it’s not only players who need protection but also teams.

The AIPA was formed precisely as a service corporation to assist American players competing internationally and to preserve the integrity of the game as it impacts on players, leagues, and teams.

A team that is hoodwinked by a player may recommend the suspension of the scalawag before the AIPA. If a player is found guilty of game-fixing, the AIPA could order a blackball and lobby to revoke his international license. If he bolts a team without settling his debts, the AIPA could put a hold on his playing status until he pays up.

On the other hand, a player may appeal to the AIPA to force a team to pay up if it has pending obligations–otherwise, the team will be blacklisted as an import employer.

If it plays its cards right, the AIPA could become a major force in the traffic of imports.

According to AIPA’s Asia representative Jerry Barisano, an import will be asked to pay an annual fee of about $500 to enjoy the benefits of a full-fledged member. In return, the AIPA will provide a host of services, including legal, immigration, travel, contract tracking, and placement. Barisano said among the benefits in the pipeline are group health care, royalty payments, education (degree completion) and marketing and promotional opportunities.

Barisano, a recent Manila visitor, said the AIPA is open to Fil-Ams, too, because they enjoy dual citizenship.

Last October, Barisano was in Busan to promote the AIPA during the Asian Games. He conferred with officials from various Asian leagues and said the response to his offer to link up with the AIPA was encouraging. In fact, Barisano quoted Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) secretary-general Yeoh Choo Hock of Malaysia as saying, "We look forward to the chance of working with AIPA and its American players ... we are happy there is an organization like AIPA to help promote good cooperation between American players and our Asian professional basketball leagues as the American basketball players have made a big impact on the Asian region the past five years."

Barisano, who lives in Seoul, said the AIPA considers Asia the major center of growth in international basketball. "The primary purpose for AIPA’s attendance in the Asian Games is to dialog with Asian officials on the future expansion of basketball in the region, the continued utilization of American players for this cause and to provide information regarding the services that AIPA provides and will provide in Asia," said Barisano, a former Fila marketing executive.

The AIPA chairman is former Los Angeles Clippers guard David Rivers, a European league veteran. Rivers, 38, has designated AIPA representatives in Brazil, England, France, Israel, Italy, Germany, Greece, Japan, Spain, Turkey and South Korea.

"With AIPA, the time is right for pro athletes to join the team that will have the most profound impact in support of their pro careers," said Rivers, a Notre Dame product, in a press statement. "AIPA will always represent accountability and fair play for athletes, clubs, and sports federations."

Wendell Alexis, a former Syracuse star who has played several years in Europe, added: "The quicker players are provided the necessities to perform, the quicker the return for the club and the player. This is one of the keys to a player’s success abroad."

Another AIPA supporter is George (Iceman) Gervin, who at 50, is still making waves in basketball. The Iceman, who played four years in the American Basketball Association and 10 in the National Basketball Association, is currently negotiating a long-term deal to serve as a global ambassador of goodwill for a top shoe and apparel company.

In July, the AIPA will hold its first All-Star Family Weekend at the Conte Forum in Boston. The highlight will be an All-Star Game featuring the top American players campaigning overseas.

Barisano said the AIPA is preparing a groundbreaking year-round health insurance package for imports. "Imports typically live more than seven months out of the year abroad," he explained. "US insurance companies don’t provide full, year-round health benefits for players who do not reside in a country most of the year. AIPA has identified these issues and is working with insurers to implement a solid health care package. It will allow AIPA members to select coverage and receive treatment while living abroad and in the US."

Barisano cited several real life examples of dire situations that often face imports–teams stopping payment or cutting players despite live contracts, imports relocating to countries without stability, lack of adequate rehabilitation and treatment for injuries sustained during a practice or game, and poor living conditions.

"The AIPA’s time has come," said Barisano. "It’s a service corporation, not a union. The overall vision is to improve the players’ overall quality of life while also promoting the game of basketball internationally."

The AIPA is certainly a step in the right direction.