CHICAGO - Meralco guard Chris Newsome is one of the most likeable stars in the PBA, a blue-collar type who goes about his business without any fanfare.
Cut from the final lineup to the FIBA World Cup 2023 last September, he still supported the team, showing up for practice everyday and cheering Gilas on until his lungs burst.
Yeah, he is THAT kind of guy.
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Nicknamed "New," his moniker might as well refer to the quiet "no drama, no hassle" element of Chris' hoops life.
But late last night, a mere few hours after the Bolts fell to Ginebra, 92-88, in Game One of their best-of-seven Philippine Cup semis series, Newsome showed a rare burst of emotion via a cryptic post on X, the social media platformer formerly known as Twitter.
"All I hear is apologies with no accountability. How fun!!!" said Newsome, who averaged 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game during the elimination round.
Multiple attempts to contact Newsome were unsuccessful, so I reached out to Meralco.
NO COMMENT.
The Bolts hierarchy zipped their lips, not wanting to draw the ire of the league while coming across as bitter.
But a person with knowledge of the situation had this to offer.
"My guess is it's the referees. They were horrible yesterday and New wasn't pleased with calls."
Newsome is not alone.
Last Saturday at the Power and Play Show with Kom Noli Eala, former Senate president Tito Sotto pointed to officiating as the reason behind the steep attendance decline in the PBA.
The following day, TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa lamented the 78 free throws that lowlighted the Tropa versus Rain or Shine match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
IS THERE A WHISTLE CRISIS IN THE PBA?
I hope not, I hope all these alleged favored and missed calls are just a function of incompetence and nothing more malicious.
Either way, it's tainting the PBA as a consumer product.
"Nakaka-miss yung dating PBA, 2014-2013. SMC fan ako pero parang nakakaumay na manood sila-sila lang nag lalaban," SPIN.ph reader Larry Sumbise wrote on Twitter.
"As expected 250 percent sure sila ang maghaharap sa Finals," chimed in Arthur (@art0607).
As it is right now, the semis match-ups are one-sided. Ginebra is too big, too deep for Meralco, the exact same superiority San Miguel holds over Rain or Shine.
If the wealth of the rich teams can't make a fair fight against the smaller teams possible, can the PBA at least make sure the refs blew a fair whistle?
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