Invisible game-fixing
Friday, 17 August 2007 339 Views / 10 Comments
Some might say it does exist. But nobody could convince me that game-fixing really exist or it can be proven in any of the games of collegiate basketball leagues despite this new scenario.
They can say gambling exists, yes it could. A lot of Filipinos really love to bet not only in UAAP and NCAA games but also in PBA and NBA games. I believe this is common knowledge to most of us. But game-fixing still remains a mystery.
For one, how can you prove the accusations made on former US Red Warrior Bonbon Custodio, Alfred Gerilla of FEU and Paolo Orbeta of the College Saint Benilde were involved in this kind of activity?
Their “not so well” performance in some games are not enough to convince me. Because there are times that you are extremely lucky like every pass or every attempt at the basket are like a gift from somebody up there. But sometimes things just don’t fall into place. And it can also happen to even the greatest players.
Anyway, game-fixing is a general term used to describe either point-shaving and game-dropping.
NBA referee Tim Donaghy has recently pleaded guilty of “betting on NBA games�. Although it can’t be proven if he has manipulated the outcome of any NBA game.
Betting and gambling have the same nature, but point-shaving and gambling are different. Maybe to some extent.
Well a week ago Blazers star Paolo Orbeta was caught by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) through an entrapment operation.
They charged Orbeta with robbery and extortion, gambling, intimidation and harassment, and even game-fixing. The NBI also let the media, including national TV, to feast on Orbeta and three others. I admit certain media entities were biased regarding issue.
Two or three days after, the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) decided to drop all the alleged charges. Intimidation and harassment were the only alleged accusations left against Paolo.
The MCPO did it due to the NBI’s lack of evidences and information. Instead, the NBI was ordered to release Orbeta and three others for further investigation.
As a recommendatory body, the NBI could do nothing but followe the order.
With that, the Orbetas are just waiting for the Manila Trial Court’s order that could free Paolo of the charges and prove his innocence.
Even the NBI entrapment modus didn’t convince the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office. They were clueless and they want the MCPO to reconsider the decision. The NBI has promised to present more evidence to the court.
Using marked money to pin him down is not enough. There are a thousand reasons to get away with it. In fact, certain employees in various government agencies were been entrapped but no case can be found.
Somebody can claim he owe somebody money, but the guy framed up him to escape payment. Anyway, it already affected the NCAA, the College of Saint Benilde, Paolo and his family.
It was a very, very traumatic experience even for the Orbeta family. I’m praying Paolo’s name will be cleared.
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