Will Chino do a Jordan?

Chino Trinidad said yesterday he’s 99 percent sure of making his resignation stick as Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner.

But he left the door somewhat open for a comeback just like his idol Michael Jordan when he announced his first and second retirements. Trinidad, however, said don’t bet on it.

"I’m looking at my options at the moment," said Trinidad. "I’m hoping to expand my horizons. Maybe, I’ll reestablish my career in broadcasting, which I’ve missed since becoming the PBL commissioner in 2000. If I get my US visa, I’ll leave for L.A. to cover the NBA (National Basketball Association) All-Star Game next week. The trip will give me time to rethink my position."

Trinidad disclosed that he’s been asked by team owners Raymond Yu of Welcoat and Cecilio Pedro of Fash to reconsider. "I’ll think it over," he said. "Some people tell me I shouldn’t quit because of one team but my response is it’s 100 percent or nothing."

Trinidad resigned in disgust after Tuesday’s Game 3 of the PBL Finals where Welcoat players wore pro-Jojo Tangkay bands to protest the selection of Fash’s Peter June Simon as MVP. He said it was a display of blatant disrespect.

"When I took over in 2000, I kept the league alive by protecting its integrity," said Trinidad. "I sacrificed my time with my family and my broadcasting career to do the best I could to save the PBL. Now that I see people in the stands watching the games and a semblance of respectability in the league, I think my job has been accomplished."

Trinidad said an accumulation of heartaches prompted his resignation. The display of protest was only a trigger point, he noted.

"You know me, I call it like it is," continued Trinidad. "When I play streetball, I berate officials if they’re bad. That’s how I am. In the PBL, I take pride in our officiating. In Game 2 of the Finals, the officiating was near perfect – except for a block that was called a foul in the third period. But what did I get in return? Welcoat said the officiating was dumb. Give credit where it’s due. I’ve grown tired of listening to coaches and managers blaming referees for losing games. The referees who worked Game 3 are being considered by the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) to join its ranks. That’s a testament to our level of officiating. It’s a pity that the recognition came from another league and not the PBL itself."

As for the MVP selection, Trinidad said it was unfair to cast doubt on the integrity of the process. "Everyone knew how the MVP was chosen so how can anyone accuse us of rigging the selection?" Trinidad went on. "Why will I compromise the league’s integrity for an MVP award? The award is given to the most deserving player – someone who can play and make his teammates better. It goes beyond statistical points and popularity. The media vote was solid for Simon. I don’t cover the games. The media should know what they’re talking about. James (Yap) was MVP in the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) even if his team (University of the East) didn’t make it to the finals. Ayoko ng binababoy ang commissioner’s office. When the very vanguards of integrity in the Board begin to question officiating and the MVP selection process, it’s not right. I decided I could not continue under the circumstances as commissioner. Maybe, it’s my fault that I allowed things to get out of hand but I could only do so much. I can’t please everybody. How can I continue when people question the integrity of the commissioner’s office when I have tried to work with transparency and fairness the last four years?"

Trinidad said he’s leaving the PBL in good hands with transition officers-in-charge Tommy Ong and Butch Maniego.

"Of course, I’ll still be around to help out," he added. "Last year, I was in the US covering the NBA Finals during the PBL Finals and the games went on smoothly. So my resignation shouldn’t make a difference."

Trinidad clarified that he never accused any player of throwing games in the PBL. "I didn’t like it that Yap appeared not to play his best in Game 2," he said. "He should remember that without the PBL, he wouldn’t have been picked No. 2 overall by Purefoods in the PBA draft. He owes it to Welcoat and the PBL to play his best, with utmost intensity, until his last PBL game. Dapat may utang na loob siya sa PBL at Welcoat. He played below par in that game, so-so. I would’ve expected him to play harder after he was drafted to show his real potentials."

Trinidad said he’s grown old working a "thankless job" in the PBL. "I’m 36 but feeling 50," he groaned.

Tonight, Welcoat and Fash play Game 4 of their title series. Trinidad said he’s staying home to watch it on TV.

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