James Yap: The court is his

JAMES YAP’s second PBA Most Valuable Player award is confirmation of his value to a Purefoods/B-Meg team that won one championship and pursued another this season.
Yap is part of an elite group of players who can change the complexion of the game. When they’re in the groove, they can connect on familiar and even manufactured shots that look like they have no chance of success.
They make dramatic shots that titillate the crowd and depress opponents.  Even at times when they can’t bury a basket, they will drain that one big shot at the precise moment to define the game.
Yap has done all this repeatedly this year.
And the basketball court is their comfort zone, the easel on which they express themselves.
In front of microphones and portable recorders, they may be uncomfortable, hesitant to reveal everything. But on the hardwood, they are liberated from the demands of the celebrity their hoop skills created.
There, they find sheer joy in ripping the net, defying a double team or uncurling an undergoal stab. They are at peace with what they have been doing since they first dribbled the ball as a child.
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Larry Bird was never at ease with the media while Michael Jordan considered it a part of the job and had a ready smile that could disarm the most inquisitive reporter. They were happiest, though, when they were on the court, practicing or playing their high-octane NBA games.
Other great performers have similar havens.
Two nights ago, I finally saw Michael Jackson’s “This is It” on HBO.  The performer was absolutely delighted to be on his very own playground, the concert stage.
Performing since childhood, Jackson found his freedom on the stage even if it was a rehearsal for what was to be his farewell tour. Jackson also had time in the media vortex because of court cases and unusual lifestyle choices.
But the stage was his refuge. Collaborating with director Kenny Ortega, he knew every corner of the surface and how to bring it to life. He did all the moves: the “Thriller” pumps, the moonwalk for “Billie Jean” and the head bobs and spins for “Beat It.”
I felt for the dancers, musicians and performers who, today, have only memories of the rehearsals because the shows were never performed.   Jackson passed away before opening night.
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Nevertheless, the availability of a safe haven does not excuse the athlete or celebrity from obeying proper norms of conduct in the public domain. No amount of media mastery or bungling will absolve you from any wrongdoing.
Those who have made mistakes will have to own up to them and cannot simply escape into golf courses, chess boards or tennis courts.
The media hoopla for Yap will probably not end abruptly, even if his basketball season is already over. His high-profile marriage intrigues the media and the public no end.
But as he has done all season long, he will deal with his personal concerns on his own terms, and that is the best for his family and his career.