NLEX had always supported its players when it comes to their contracted players gaining experiences elsewhere.
But it has to abide by the Philippine Basketball Association’s rules and regulations.
Regarding Kiefer Ravena’s decision to sign with B.League team Shiga Lakestars, the brass of the Road Warriors will stand firm. The team said it will follow the agreement between the league, each member team, and its players as stated in each players’ Uniform Player Contract.
“We understand and support Kiefer’s desire for personal advancement,” read the statement of the team that has Rod Franco as governor and Yeng Guiao as both head coach and general manager.
“However, as a member of the PBA, we are duty-bound to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the league. The NLEX Road Warriors stand by the tripartite agreement between our organization, the PBA, and the individual player, which is enshrined in the Uniform Player Contract (UPC).”
The UPC is a standard contract between the player and a team. All the fine prints in the UPC undergo review by the league and have a standard format.
However, a UPC does not have an exit clause.
In the case of Ravena, he cannot leave NLEX easily even if the two parties have agreed to it. It still has to get approval from the PBA.
“The Japan engagement of Kiefer will need to conform to the terms of the UPC as well as the rules and policies of the PBA,” read NLEX’s statement.
In this case, NLEX has to elevate their player’s case to the Board of Governors. The Board will have to approve the move.
