CHICAGO - Since joining the MPBL in the 2018-19 season, the Manila Stars Batang Sampaloc stood out as an exemplary franchise bereft of any of the controversies that have pelted some of the teams around the league.
But some good things never last.
Per a high-ranking team official, the Stars are doubtful to return next season, calling their continued participation "a waste of money."
READ MPBL physicality is 'actually fouling that isn't called,' rues Slaughter
With a team payroll of about P3 to P4 million including perks and bonuses, the Batang Sampaloc are extremely well-funded with zero issues in paying salaries in a timely fashion.
They're also loaded with multiple former PBA players on the roster - Carl Bryan Cruz (TNT), Jorey Napoles (NLEX), Joshua Torralba (Blackwater), Mike Tolomia (Meralco), Paolo Javelona (NorthPort), James Sena (San Miguel) and 2011 Rookie of the Year Rabeh Ahmed Al-Hussaini.
GIANT BUDGET.
In the MPBL, players with PBA credentials get paid at least P100,000 a month, some making up to P300,000.
This season, the Stars added Greg Slaughter, who pulled in a well-deserved P1.1 million a month including won-game bonuses of P25,000 per, I was told.
Despite the pool of talent, the Batang Sampaloc became the face of underachievement when they were swept by Caloocan in the first round of the playoffs.
But their wounds were not all self-inflicted. There was blunt force trauma caused by what the team believes was "uneven officiating."
Roughed up in Game One, Slaughter was ejected and then suspended for Game Two.
Feeling that they've gotten an unfair whistle, the Stars have had enough. And while the planned exit might come across as whimsical or sour-graping, it is not.
FOR SALE WITH NO BUYERS.
"We've been trying to sell the franchise two seasons ago pero walang interested," the source said.
The trauma of their latest poor officiating experience added to the desire of leaving what is now bordering as a toxic relationship.
Asked to comment, MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes was unavailable.
I also tried to reach Manny Pacquiao but I was informed that the former senator "was playing basketball in General Santos."
I did get a hold of lawyer Brando Viernesto, an MPBL party list nominee and one of the brains who penned the league by-laws.
"The Stars are one of our pioneer teams. It will be sad to see them go," Viernesto said. "If they want they can file a one-year leave of absence from the league," he added.
Maybe but one of the members of the Stars' ownership group has another idea.
"If we can get a sponsor who will cover all our operating expenses, maybe that's the only chance that Manila will be back next season. But if not, it's not worth wasting money from our own pockets anymore."
Strong Group Athletics (SGA) is a main sponsor of Manila Stars. Will billionaire owner Frank Lao initiate a takeover?
Or will businessman Sam Versoza swoop in?
Stay tuned.
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