The former PBA MVP has a point.
Is it within a player's right to ask for money before playing for the national team?
Most fans and players would deem that a taboo and hate whoever demands money prior to donning the Gilas Pilipinas uniform. Former Gilas emotional leader Marc Pingirs has a firm stance the players called for the duty should not expect compensation.
Jayjay Helterbrand though gave another perspective, slightly in favor of the opposite side. For the former national team member, it's okay to ask for money as long as the player knows his value.
"That's what they do nowadays. 'Wag tayo mag-judge. The time is different now, that's the way everyone—the other players are doing it. May karapatan ka din mag-ano. Unfair naman 'yung iba binibigyan tapos sila hindi, 'di ba?" Helterbrand said in another video upload from the PBA Motoclub YouTube channel.
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel legend raises another good angle by pointing out that players are practically vulnerable too.
"Paano kung na-injure ka sa national team? Pagdating ng negotiation sa PBA sasabihin nila, 'E injured ka e. So, ito lang mabibigay namin sa'yo."
Although, Helterbrand backtracked to the supposed hooper who "asked for the moon" after he was chosen for the Gilas pool.
"Sa akin, iba 'yung you're gonna ask for the moon just because maybe you don't wanna play, so you ask for a lot. If they say no, for you okay kasi ayaw mo naman maglaro, if say yes, it's a plus for you. Baka ayaw niya," he said.
"You guys that get invited to the national team, just be honest. Kung ayaw niyong maglaro, just say so."
For Helterbrand, refusing to play for the national team should not warrant an instant vitriol from the community. After all, there are several factors why one might pass.
"You can't just look at one side. Maybe there's a reason why they don't wanna play. Nasa player na 'yan."