A Wheeler's Opinion: What Should Chito Narvasa do?

To stay or to leave. That is the question

Chito Narvasa has said that "If it's for principle, I'll stay," (Photo by the PBA Media Bureau)

With the MVP Group moving to remove Chito Narvasa as PBA commissioner by the means of not supporting a contract extension for the latter, it appeared Mr. Narvasa has been booted out. 

But hold it, folks. Mr. Narvasa has, of course, found allies in the SMC Bloc in the ranks of team owners together with the owners of GlobalPort and Kia- two known associates of the SMC Group in the PBA. 

Now, the Narvasa Saga has clearly divided the teams because, on one side, the MVP Group wants Narvasa out of the picture owing to what the group has called an unfair move of Narvasa to divulge an information about a TNT official who submitted the draft application of Christian Standhardinger on the latter's behalf.

In addition to this, many who were in favor of removing Narvasa at the helm were already against the already controversial trade involving San Miguel and Kia which includes Standhardinger. On the other side, a group wants Narvasa to stay on board because he is still enjoying the support of the group, the SMC Group.

Here's the catch, folks: Chito Narvasa said that the team owners who were against his decision to approve the said trade have 10 days- per league rules, to do something about it. And yet, according to Narvasa, those who were against his decision, didn't do anything and went straight to removing him. 

Now, it's already given that the Narvasa Saga, which was born straight out of the Standhardinger Saga, has divided team owners but Narvasa's statement that he'll stay if it's for his principle has angered many PBA fans judging from their comments in the social media. 

Some were blaming Narvasa's actions for the free-falling number of fans watching games live. Some were even stating Narvasa's apparent selectiveness in sanctioning punishments and fines to players and coaches. In effect, most of the PBA fans want Narvasa out of the picture, too.

So, if you were Mr. Narvasa, what are going to do? He has two options at hand:

Leave 

To prevent escalating things and give the PBA a fresh start heading into the league's 43rd season, Chito Narvasa should leave especially if the 7 teams who signed the resolution not to extend his contract for another year, wouldn't support him if he stays. Stay and his tenure will be filled with friction. Leave and he'll give the fans what they wanted. Who knows? His leaving might encourage to watch the games again. But then again, easier said than done. 

Stay

Chito Narvasa can stay on board, of course. 

According to Robert Non, Chito Narvasa is still the PBA commissioner as of the moment due to the various violations that the MVP bloc has done. For starters, the 5 teams failed to attend yesterday's meeting at the league office owing to the reason that the notice was only sent to them last October 30 which is, according to Mr. Non, is a clear violation of the 7-day rule when serving notices. 

In addition to this, the supporters of Narvasa are also stating that those who want Narvasa out of the picture failed to get the needed number of votes which is 8 of the 12 teams, to terminate Narvasa's  contract. And most importantly. Non, the governor of the San Miguel group, said that Narvasa enjoys the confidence and trust of 5 teams which, by the gray areas in the league's by-laws, is sufficient for Narvasa to remain.

Conclusion

There's no doubt that the Narvasa Saga is far from over and with both sides throwing statements after statements, expect this saga to be in the air for a long period of time as the PBA prepares for the new season.

As for Chito Narvasa, if it's true that he only does what he thinks it's beneficial for the PBA community, the decision to leave or stay is up to him alone but wouldn't be beneficial more for the league if he leaves? Why? His relationship with the 7 teams has already been strained and even though he still has the support of the 5 teams, it will create more chaos.

But then again, what's the PBA without drama, right?