PBA Controversy: The REAL REASON why Arwind Santos is not playing with SMB today!

 

Arwind Santos, the legendary PBA player known for his nickname “Spiderman,” recently had his jersey number 29 retired by the San Miguel Beermen (SMB). The ceremony took place during halftime of a game against Blackwater, where Santos was joined by his family, current SMB players, coaches, and former teammates. This honor places him in an elite group of players whose jerseys have been immortalized by the league’s oldest franchise.

However, Santos’ journey back to the SMB fold wasn’t as straightforward as fans might have hoped. Let’s delve into the complexities surrounding his return and explore what it means for Northport, the team that held his signing rights.

Initially, Santos expressed a desire to play again for San Miguel, even if only for a brief period before his jersey retirement. Unfortunately, the reality proved more intricate. His signing rights still belonged to Northport, which complicated any potential transfer back to the Beermen. Contract negotiations, trades, and other administrative matters stood in the way of a seamless reunion.

Santos acknowledged this complexity, saying, “Kaya lang kumplikado, matatagalan kasi siya. Kailangan pa ng kontrata, ng trade, yung mga ganun. Kasi yung rights ko yata nasa Northport pa” (It’s complicated; it will take time. Contracts, trades, and such are necessary. My rights are still with Northport). Despite the challenges, he graciously accepted the situation, finding joy in the recognition of his retirement.

Now, let’s address the intriguing angle: Northport’s role as a farm team for the SMC (San Miguel Corporation) teams. Northport had previously traded Don Trollano to SMB, a move that happened relatively smoothly. However, when it came to Santos, the process encountered hurdles. Why?

One possibility is that there might be internal dynamics within the SMB camp affecting decisions. Perhaps someone within the organization didn’t want Santos to return. While this remains speculative, it highlights the intricacies of player movements, team dynamics, and individual preferences.

Recent PBA Controversy: https://ph-ballgm.blogspot.com/2024/04/pba-controversy-rhenz-abando-is.html