By Patrick Sutare
QUEZON CITY—About a month ago, news had already surfaced that PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa was on his way out until the usually hot under the fire league head held his ground and fought for his post, thwarting the reports from becoming official.
But ironically on Sunday, ahead of the league’s 43rd season opening ceremonies, Narvasa took it upon himself and made the initiative to let go of his controversial tenure.
The PBA Board made the development official in a press con held right before the festivities.
"This morning, he submitted his resignation, which was effective today," said in a statement delivered by new board chair Ricky Vargas.
Prior to the said move, there was a sudden hullabaloo in the league’s leadership after the initial reports caused a fuss and even forced factions among the member teams.
In the end, Narvasa still succumbed to the uproar, seemingly in the attempt to clear the smoke before the new season starts.
The 55-year old Narvasa, however, will still finish his term until the end of the year as Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial is set to assume the position at the beginning of the new year as OIC.
"The PBA board, in a resolution passed today, has Chito Narvasa sustained until the end of the year to help us during the transition," the statement continued.
On how the decision was made, Vargas explained, "We reached out to Commissioner Narvasa, and we made amends that needed to be clarified and worked out on his personal hurts on the process. We thank him for all his contributions to the PBA."
Narvasa served the PBA for two and a half years and led the league for two seasons.
Follow him on Twitter: @patricksutare
Follow him on Twitter: @patricksutare