You are right - our opinions matter little. My problem was Ian's statement which specifically mentioned names and blew off these players as "not mattering". That to me shows no class. It's borderline being a complete asshole if you ask me. Someone in his position should have stated things objectively and less one-sided, as he should have no position regarding the Philippines situation. He, like said before by another poster, is like a tourist. Why even say something like that?? For Christ sake, politicians are the worst "rats" but even they are more graceful when addressing things publicly.
And, just because Yen would have liked these top-guns of the PI to participate, it doesn't mean he did anything to help resolve the issues at hand - so by far he isn't a saint. Of course he wanted them to play (who wouldn't have), but in no way did he want to negotiate anything acceptable enough so that they would. See what I mean...he is a snake, and his "words " mean nothing. As long as the top-guns are dissatisfied with him or how the organization in the PI is setup, I don't believe he has tried to remedy anything.
In fact, Bandido stated that BMPAP tried to come to a resolve with the BSCP prior to this WTBC, but BSCP cut off all communication. That shows me that BSCP/Yen/whoever is not willing to change a thing!
I have never met you Jay, but I've heard a lot about you. I just wanted to clarify my grief over Ian's arrogance/dishonorable/or just plain stupidity in his statement. I really don't care about anything except that the players should ALWAYS be taken care of...especially these BMPAP/filipino players....they do nothing but attend tournaments and play their hearts out for our enjoyment. Everybody loves and appreciates them - they are humble and friendly, and do no harm to anybody. Just because of that alone, they should never be talked about or treated in the manner that Ian did in his statement. And specifically naming Efren, Busti, and Alex was like pointing a finger at them and discrediting them. THAT is what my whole disgruntledness arises from.