Louie Alas suspended 15 days for violating practice protocols

Louie Alas has been suspended by Phoenix for 15 days after the veteran mentor violated health protocols implemented by the PBA for team practices.

In a report by Spin,ph, Alas committed three violations, including prematurely entering the court during decontamination.

The 56-year-old asserted that his actions were “unintentional”, although he accepted the decision of the management.

Moreover, Alas lauded the team for its strict adherence to the health guidelines crafted by the league to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Majority of the PBA teams returned to workouts last week, where only six people are allowed per batch — four players, a coach, and a health officer.

The league follows the closed-circuit concept, where the players’ travels are limited to their homes and practice facilities.

Commissioner Willie Marcial has created a pair of task groups which will go around practices to ensure that the protocols are being strictly followed.

His office has also created a medical committee led by Dr. Raul Canlas, which will be the center of information for the health and wellness of the players.

Marcial has been tasked by the board to police the whole process, but Phoenix made the decision to suspend Alas on its own.

But the third-year league chief would no doubt approve the sanction, since he has said before that discipline will be key for all this to work.