CROEM ALUMNI Executive Committee supports efforts to keep Indios basketball franchise in Mayagüez
By THE STAR STAFF
The Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of the Residential Center for Educational Opportunities of Mayagüez (CROEM ALUMNI) announced its support on Tuesday for Mayagüez Mayor Jorge Ramos Ruiz in his efforts to keep the iconic Superior National Basketball (BSN by its initials in Spanish) league team, the Indios of Mayagüez, in the main city of Puerto Rico’s western coastal region.
The committee voted following the announcement that the possibility of relocating the franchise to another town on the island -- possibly Isabela -- is being considered.
“We stand in solidarity with the Mayor of Mayagüez in his staunch defense of keeping Los Indios here,” stated CROEM ALUMNI spokesperson Wilson Nazario. “Our team was founded in 1956, making its court debut in 1957. The mere intention or mention of moving Los Indios’ home base to another town constitutes a vile betrayal -- not only by the team’s owners but also by the [BSN] League itself. Teams owe their existence to their fan base and to those who have helped them remain a top-tier sports organization. This decision does not reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people of Mayagüez and neighboring towns, the majority of whom are loyal fans of basketball and Los Indios.”
By unanimous vote, the CROEM ALUMNI Executive Committee decided to back Ramos Ruiz, “who denounced the fact that both the sale transactions and the relocation request were carried out behind the Municipality’s back,” Nazario said. “He described the move as a sign of disrespect toward the team’s history, the fans, and the public resources invested over many years to maintain this local sports entertainment.”
The CROEM ALUMNI official added that the organization would be sending out communications to the BSN, Ramos Ruiz and the media detailing an agreement to support the mayor of Mayagüez in his efforts to keep the Indios at home.
“We call upon the Mayor of Isabela, Miguel ‘Ricky’ Méndez Pérez, to refuse to be part of the betrayal being orchestrated by the owners of the Mayagüez basketball team, who are attempting to relocate a team that enjoys strong support in Mayagüez to his municipality,” Nazario added. “Likewise, we urge the member teams of the National Superior Basketball League not to support any action that would harm Mayagüez basketball fans. We ask the owners and executives of businesses that participate in and support the National Superior Basketball League to make the retention of the Mayagüez franchise a condition for their sponsorship next season, or else withdraw all corporate support.”
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