Professionalism vs Patriotism

HOW do you measure patriotism?…Maybe being selfless and making sacrifices for the glory and honor of the country? What about doing the same thing with something (monetary) in return for the hard work and sacrifices you make? Is that patriotism or professionalism?

Since the world of sports opened its doors to commercialism that allowed professional athletes participate in representing their respective countries wither the regional meet, like the European, Americas’, Commonwealth, Asian Games. And even in the Olympics.

One modest reason we can conclude, is profit or earn monetary consideration, as signs of the time, that sports had entered a new era in commercialism. As well as corporate sponsorship, such athletic gears, shoes and other cloths line apparel to earn huge profit that would sustain a particular sporting event of its existence throughout years

Athletes are not spared likewise from commercialism and profiteering, They even become sort of as mercenary (this corner’s opinion) to play to the highest bidder. For the its’ just business, nothing personal, Having this kind of mindset that had been inculcated into the minds of young aspiring athletes, as amateurism and sportsmanship have been eroded. Sad to say.

Take the case of one player, whose playing skills is no doubt, really good, when asked to play and represent the national team to the Asian regional meet, but begged off due after failed to meet his asking price and the designated team manager had to gather and shop around for available players to fill in the gap,

A promising and potential NBA prospect, on the other hand, is willing to play for the nationals, but his handler has kept the “sentinel” at bay rather than put their investment at risk as the said player, just came back from a career threatening injury last year, though already up and about strutting his ware, currently in the league of the Land of the Rising Sun.

In one podcast interview of the said sentinel’s handler, It is quite shocking to learn that their ward is receiving a compensation close to 3million dollars every time gets to play for the national squad, like in the previous FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and during the 2023 World Cup. No wonder Jerry McGwire is griming from ear to ear.

Also in the same podcast, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone can”t hide his dismay as he uttered a stern warning to those players would want gain profit or make a living by disguising themselves as patriot wanting to play for the national team, they’re in the wrong place to practice their trade.

I remember when the country first time sent an professional players from the PBA to the 1990 Asian Games in China, handpicked by no-less than the “Living Legend” Robert ‘Sonny” Jaworski and captained by Ramon Fernandez, and other legends in likes of Alvin Patrimonio, Hector Calma. Ronnie Magsanoc,Chito Loyzaga, Benjie Paras, Allan Caidic, Dante Gonzalgo, Dondon Ampalayo, Zaldy Realubit, Rey Cuenco and the late Samboy Lim. Head Fernandez, who once serves as Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) rebuffed the present mindset of young players who choses monetary consideration over patriotism. “Dapat kahit libre pa, isang malaking karangalan makapaglaro ka para sa bayan” he said.