Talk ‘N Text exec clarifies comments on gambling and the PBA

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Talk ‘N Text executive Ricky Vargas clarified his earlier comments about gambling in the PBA, saying that it had nothing to do with the team’s recently-concluded Commissioner’s Cup finals series against the B-MEG Llamados.

“My statements regarding the existence of gambling and the influence it may have on PBA games were not meant to be accusatory in nature,” wrote Vargas in a text message.

Vargas said that the issue of gambling was part of his recommendations to the league to improve officiating, which also includes the following steps:

1. The use of most seasoned referees;
2. A clear definition from the Commissioner over what constitutes a foul;
3. The use of video playback to review questionable calls, especially at crucial times

“I will sit down with the commissioner soon to make my formal proposals for the league’s further improvement,” Vargas added.

The team official, who represents the Tropang Texters on the PBA Board of Governors, was earlier quoted by News5 as saying: “There is gambling and all that, we just cannot prove it. But we all know it. If there’s such a thing, then let’s just be open about it para sa ganon hindi na-i-impluwensya yung laro or sitwasyon sa gametime.”

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