well... all i cud say is... its a chess game... a struggle for power...

Over time, they have acquired 3 of the most popular franchises in the PBA... plus to possible "adopted" ones ... yet, despite all the connivance with getting star players, or changing one team's name to keep a certain org from joining, or hoarding players and not allowing them to play for the national team... they still haven't been able cultivate a team to dominate and win multiple championships like MVP's TNT...

now, the import that has become the key to the success of the Super Team that they've assembled is being sent home, with their hopes for another title with it. carefully laid plans are all going to waste because one Kume refuses to look the other way and allow unfair trades to occur (1st trade proposals vetoed) and this  "lifetime ban" of their super import was the final straw.

I think this is more of a call to the fans, a protest over Kume's unfair call... they scare the fan into thinking that they are gonna pull out unless the Commissioner changes his decision... What do they think the Commissioner will do, apologize for his actions and confess of a "change of heart"? 

I suddenly feel sorry for all their players. their careers are now in limbo. and would anyone actually believe that this Balkman incident had anything to do with it? Heck, most of the online articles don't even say San Miguel Corporation... the NBA and the New York Knicks and even Latrell Sprewell is more blatantly talked about then SMC or Petron.

Heck, them not allowing their players to play for Gilas brought greater damage to the corporate identity then this...

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Now about the Commissioner's Decision: 

Kume is concerned about the image of the PBA to the WHOLE WORLD. By doing this, he sends the message that such actions will not be tolerated in our league. Yes it was a very harsh penalty, but at the end of the day, this ensures that NO IMPORT could EVER treat ANYONE like that EVER AGAIN. 

The penalty/punishment looses its effectivity if it is not something to be feared. 

If this was not done, the stigma will always stick to the PBA that it is a soft league. Remember, the whole world already knows about this... and most of them agree to what was done.

and that's the harsh reality.

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Just my 2 cents. Not necessarily yours. From a fan who just began to look deeper into WHY the Powerade Tigers "Tigerella" team was disbanded that way... who was frustrated that shocking rumours turned out to be a reality... was disgusted of the blatant disregard to help the national team... and now, is wary of what this supposed "re-evaluation" (an implied threat of withdrawal) could mean for this league that represents one of our core identities as a people (tama ba ako, Tio Paeng?).