After being handed a PHP 26,000 fine by the PBA last Monday, Glen Rice, Jr. was not given any slack by his team, the TNT Katropa.
Disappointed with the way he had handled himself in Game Four, the management of the SMART Communication-owned franchise deemed that his actions during that game were outright violations of his contract for the duration of the Governors Cup.
“As a consequence, the team is deducting from his final compensation the amount of the PBA fine plus the team fine,” TNT Katropa team manager Virgil Villavicencio sent in a text message.
Moreover, the legal team of TNT is looking to seek damages against the second-generation cager as his actions led the Katropa’s elimination, a clear violation of his contract.
“This is without prejudice however, to whatever legal right TNT may have against Mr. Rice for damages and other available remedies under contract,” the statement continued.
Glen Rice Jr. not planning to stay any longer. He’s now on his way out of the SMART Araneta Coliseum.@TiebreakerTimes pic.twitter.com/VNOl0XEgoV
— Justine Bacnis (@justinebacnis) October 8, 2017
The 26-year-old was slapped with the hefty fine after shoving and throwing the ball directly at Ginebra rookie wingman Kevin Ferrer, which led to his ejection with 1:41 left in the opening quarter of the match.
Furthermore, the second-generation cager was also fined for flashing a dirty finger and for disrespecting team and league officials.
The added antics of Rice, Jr. after being ejected were not acceptable for both the team and the brand, as they tarnished the company’s image.
“His undesirable, unprofessional, unruly, and unsportsmanlike behavior adversely affected not only the team’s image, but the brand and corporate reputation of the PLDT Group as well,” the message stated.
“Mr. Rice, as a professional player, promised to comply with all the team’s rules and regulations and to act or conduct himself in a gentlemanly manner at all times so as to project a totally wholesome image for the team and the PLDT group.”
Rice, Jr. had already left the country Tuesday, October 10.
