Shockwaves

It’s only now that the shockwaves from the last group of PBA players who failed their drug test are being felt. Many fans are still in disbelief that their favorite PBA veterans failed the drug test. Of course, the implication being read into the findings is that they are habitual drug users, which is not what the test indicates. Many fans have e-mailed this writer, stunned and disbelieving, and questioning the process. Finally, they get a chance to be heard on the matter.

Elya dela Cruz ([email protected]) registers her shock thusly:

"Almost everyone (I included) was shocked when the drug-test results came out. Most were PBA superstars/veterans that we were least likely to suspect — Jun Limpot, Noli Locsin... The drug test brought them public humiliation (as most claim), ruined their careers, and tarnished their otherwise "clean" record.

"If the players were subjected to indefinite suspension and no pay, fans get the impression that these players are drug addicts! (No exaggeration here.) I was surprised about my friends’ reactions. They believed that their PBA idols, who were found positive, are indeed taking in banned substances. On the other hand, if the players’ identities are kept confidential and were given the indefinite suspension, fans would wonder where their favorite players have gone if there’s no announcement from the management."

With regards to any medication or supplements being taken, if the player taking the substance has doubt, then perhaps he should take the initiative to approach the PBA authorities about it. Sta. Lucia head coach Alfrancis Chua, who takes care of his body through a very strict diet and exercise better than almost anyone I know, takes supplements. His influence has clearly manifested in improved performance of his players. Yet he and his entire team had no trouble with the drug tests."

Seventeen-year old Aaron Mejia ([email protected]) has this to add:

"It seems that the people being singled out are the players who have made a mark, not just as premier players in the league, but for their clean personality. I’m talking about Jun Limpot of Brgy. Ginebra and Talk n Text’s Noli Locsin.

"We all know that the ones doing the tests are human -- which means they can accidentally commit errors. But with their errors, they don’t realize that the ones they are —— should we say "victimizing" ——  are also human."

Again, we are assuming that a person’s celebrity guarantees him perfect demeanor. I am not implying the opposite, but why is it that, when a public figure we know is disciplined, it is the disciplining authorities who are not given credibility? Why is it so easy to question the professionalism of the Department of Health and not a player who is neither a chemist nor a pathologist?

This phenomenon has been called the "halo effect." The longer an athlete plays, the greater credibility he has. The longer he’s around, the more we assume that his efforts and dignity in being a pro athlete translates off the court, as well. In addition, professional athletes are seen on television. We allow them into our living rooms, so they’re family. And it is hardest to believe a family member doing something wrong, easier to blame a stranger, especially an anonymous one.

From overseas, Kenneth Aliño ([email protected]) weighs in with his comments.

"I have been living in San Diego for the last three years and am still a fan of the PBA. For Com. Eala to say in the papers that "they failed the drug test" is irresponsible. The PBA is after the illegal drugs (shabu, marijuana and others) but they have no clear stand about medications or performance-enhancing drugs, and for him to release this to the media without giving these players a chance to explain or conduct further test is sickening. Hope he realizes the damage done for the rest of the players’ life.

"In the NBA, you’ll never know the reason why a player is suspended (which is just five games) when it involves drugs. Hope Mr. Eala is quick to ask for forgiveness from the players and their families when it’s proven that the system is not foolproof as quick when he releases this info to the media."

First of all, Eala is not doing this in a personal capacity. He is implementing regulations set up and approved by the PBA Board of Governors. He is not acting on his own. And if he divulges the names of players who failed the drug test, he is doing so with the full backing of the PBA board. Secondly, his penalties for offenders are not as harsh as those in the NBA. I’ve never heard of the NBA handing out a mere two-game suspension for a one-time offender, nor a mere one-year suspension for a repeat offender. Generally, two years is the minimum before a player is allowed back in the NBA.

A similar sentiment was voiced by a certain Jack Robbins ([email protected]):

"They should first talk to the players who tested positive and inform them about the result before exposing their names. Besides, they’re giving a chance to appeal. So why not test them again before annoucing it? And also with that kind of drastic action they’re not just violating the players’ human rights but putting them in a humiliating situation."

If the players value their careers more than anything, then they will take every precaution to ensure that they can keep on playing. Second, even if they submit to a second test, it is still the same sample that will be tested. By the time a second test is administered, they would have flushed out any traces of the banned substances. And third, if the equipment the DOH uses is the same as the FBI uses, and only draws out banned substances, the players concerned must find an even more accurate test, if there is one.

Even if the system were flawed in some way, then the players have to make sure that, for their part, they are completely clean. Even in the Olympics, competitors have to get special permission to use certain medications and pain-killers. Why not in the PBA?

* * *

You may reach me at [email protected] or [email protected].