Hoop official’s dark plans

TWO DAYS after the coach of a popular PBA team called to make an inquiry, I was still trying to figure out  what prompted him to make the call. 
I seldom communicate with this coach and the call was wholly unexpected. He wanted to confirm reports that an unpopular basketball leader had been relieved of his important job.
“I figure you’re the best person to ask since you’re updated on these matters,” he said.
The coach also wanted to confirm if the man was sacked because of his failure to liquidate a staggering amount of P25 million to which he had access.
“I understand that this is the primary reason he was sacked. His inability to get along with people he is working with and others whom he is dealing with, was only secondary.”
Will he face criminal charges? Will his superiors get him jailed if he is unable to account for the amount he has gotten his hands on? The coach wanted to know.
* * *
I told the coach I was in no position to confirm if the basketball head is indeed jobless at the moment, although the buzz is all over town. I said I was inclined to believe that he is, since he was reported to have recently visited the office of a powerful top executive of a business conglomerate who has stakes in the PBA.
The controversial sports leader, who has always claimed to be a close friend and associate of that executive, almost always got what he wanted from the executive.
If ever he gets through to the powerful business executive, the speculation is that he would ask for either one of two positions currently being occupied by competent, loyal, career men, who have worked for the conglomerate for decades.
That’s what the basketball head told the staff of the executive.
He said it would be easy to convince the top executive that he is a worthier choice for the position of any of the two men he wants to replace.
* * * 
Unfortunately for the (former?) basketball head, he failed to get an audience with the top executive when he visited. But through his secretary, he has set another meeting soon and this has caused much agitation among those who fear that he may be joining their ranks. Even people in the PBA office who heard of the visit share the same apprehension.
Everyone is hoping and praying he does not get the appointment with the top brass he is seeking.
Although nobody wants to deal, much less work, with him, the man is still in good standing with the top executive, who seems to have a soft spot for him.
 * * * 
“So who’s interested to know the status of this man?” It was my turn to question the coach.
“Is there anybody eyeing the position he vacated or will be vacating?”
“Not really. I just needed to determine if this man was telling the truth. He is spreading word that he will be in charge of the company’s basketball operations. If he’s telling the truth, the man currently holding that position is bound to lose his job. Nobody wants this so called cage leader to be in the company,” said the coach.
The man’s dark plans have reached the ears of the company’s basketball officials whose jobs he covets.
“I don’t think what he’s spreading is true. That’s just his strategy, pinagkakalat niya na in na siya,” said the official.
“Now if he truly believes that  he’s in, maybe it’s time for him to see a psychiatrist. He’s nuts!”