By Alex Piner: Manny Pacquiao so far has handled this PED accusation with dignity and composure. He turned this sordid matter over to his lawyers and focused on his multiple careers. As a result, he won all his fights, got a seat in congress and inked many product endorsements. He remained cool and collected, as Floyd revved up his attacks since November 2009.

They say that “when a lie is repeated over and over again, eventually, it will be perceived as truth.” This is exactly why Floyd Mayweather’s drug tale is still alive and thriving to this day. Unfortunately for Pacquiao, it is gaining traction slowly but surely. Although the lawsuit was a brilliant move, the court resolution will take time. The settlement with GBP gave Pacquiao a breather, but the attacks have continued. Quite recently, Floyd’s followers have spun this lawsuit as a diversionary tactic to water down its relevance.

Although a good 70% don’t believe Floyd’s accusation, frustration is creeping among Pacquiao’s fans. Other stories continue to surface confusing the issue all the more. Many are now saying that he should submit to Floyd’s demands just to put an end to this. Meanwhile, Floyd continues to also undermine the NSAC and their silence implicitly gives credence to his assertions. NSAC is now perceived as corrupt, incompetent and ergo, Pacquiao gets away with PEDs.

Even when Floyd called out Pacquiao as his ” Next”, a substantial number of boxing aficionados are simply exhausted and have given up on this fight. The lack of clarity on the effectivity of current drug test procedures and a scientific dissertation on the effects of blood drawing on a boxer before a fight make Pacquiao’s position rather suspect. Comments have now regressed into doubts like: “Why does Manny not just take the test?”; “Manny can easily dispel this rumor by just taking the drug test.”; or “Is he hiding something?”. A seed of doubt has taken root.

Public perception is unpredictable. Hence, the issue should be summarily arrested before it careens like a runaway train. Floyd and his operatives believe that they can circumvent the law. They are oblivious to logic and their taunts are callous and relentless. The NSAC has seemingly failed to effectively communicate and reassure the public that their drug protocols are dated and are well enforced. From singling Pacquiao out, Floyd has put the notch higher by saying that everybody cheats. Meaning, the agency is corrupt and totally useless. Floyd has just publicly neutered them. Even if Pacquiao wins the lawsuit, regrettably, only the NSAC can truly put a closure to this issue.

Pacquiao has been targeted unfairly. Given his persona and popularity, this makes him the perfect poster boy to clean the sport. Arum, being Pacquiao’s promoter should never let a crisis go to waste. This is the opportune time to proactively launch a tactical blueprint that will foster awareness on the current status of drug enforcement in the sport. They can help jump-start a public information campaign where ordinary people can bring their concerns to NSAC and to get them involved in the process. Public confidence will surge as they become more informed, able to interact and get more involved in crafting suggestions or solutions. Pacquiao being a statesman can demonstrate how to work things out within the confines of the law and order.

There are a lot of good concepts that are being tossed within the blogging community. Why not challenge them to create a virtual clearing house where ideas can be deposited and translated into productive use? It’s time to resuscitate and heal the boxing industry. It only takes ordinary people with a heart working together to bring back professionalism. This helps level the playing field especially for the up and coming boxers who have limited resources to protect their interests. At the same time, this will deter unscrupulous people from launching malicious smear campaigns that polarize the boxing community. If Pacquiao, supported by Arum will take this to task, their names will carry goodwill that will transcend even Manny’s statistical achievements in the ring.