CHICAGO - Ateneo is reeling, shaken to its core after the jarring transfer of its prized assets to rival La Salle early this week.
Apparently, Mason Amos' jersey flip from Blue Eagle to Green Archer didn't just leave a talent vacuum at power forward, it also left a dynasty mired in internal strife.
Who slept on the wheel while a star player quietly exited the backdoor?
No one, really, but some are anxious to find someone to blame.
READ Amos apologizes to Ateneo for 'not being considerate' in transfer to La Salle
Amos made a choice he felt was best for him and his family. He shouldn't be crucified for that.
The Green Archers shouldn't be scorned, either. They merely opened the gates for a 19-year old kid who wanted a change of scenery. If they didn't, somebody else would.
LOOKING FOR A SCAPEGOAT.
But a disgruntled faction within the Ateneo community is fickle, vengeful. For them, the desire to shed blood and watch heads roll is more important than listening to reason.
A Facebook group with strong ties to Ateneo has demanded the dismissal of longtime Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo.
This, to me, is misplaced rage. It's like blaming the weatherman when it rains. Beloved by former and current players, Quimpo is a skilled executive but he can't stop players from leaving any more than he can prevent a flood.
Among Quimpo's "crimes and misdemeanors" supposedly include matters concerning meal allowances and annual bonuses.
Not true, said a top recruit, who told me that Quimpo is prompt in providing him and his teammates all the perks that are due to them under UAAP rules.
Epok and coach Tab Baldwin are as inseparable as Procter and Gamble. Theirs is a partnership forged in the fire of championships won and lost. Blaming Epok is also blaming Baldwin.
Amos' exit was hastened by a longing to play another position at another program. It had nothing to do with lack of love, care and nurturing.
Life exists in a way where bad things happen, that's just how it goes. Assigning blame is the refuge for fools, it doesn't solve whatever problem it is you're facing.
MORE POLICING.
Whether it's due to academics, disagreement with a coach's system or issues with playing time, transfers will be a norm, not the exception, in the UAAP for years to come.
As for the alleged money that's being given to five-star talents, I really don't give a damn. Students shouldn't be faulted for trying to help provide for their families and nor should the boosters be criticized for supporting their schools.
The UAAP has a responsibility to police its ranks and make sure the rules are followed as it pertains to what perks can be given to student-athletes.
Led by lawyer Rebo Saguisag, there is enough brain power to sort that out. But the question is: Does the UAAP have the political will to address the elephant in the room?
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