The PBA has made it known that it will appeal to FIBA if ever the sanctions against Gilas Pilipinas, for their role in their FIBA World Cup Qualifiers brawl with Australia Boomers last Monday, extend beyond international play.
League commissioner Willie Marcial said as much on Thursday evening, moments after meeting the national team players regarding the melee behind closed doors at the league’s office in Libis, Quezon City.
“Kung suspension hanggang sa FIBA, susundin namin. Kung suspension hanggang PBA, aapela kami,” he said.
The PBA will take similar action to when star rookie and NLEX Road Warriors guard Kiefer Ravena was slapped with an 18-month suspension due to banned substances by FIBA.
The international federation’s disciplinary proceedings are still ongoing. The PBA, just like the SBP and all involved in the brawl, are waiting for the verdict, and from there, the league will decide their next move.
“Hinihintay namin talaga yung investigation ng FIBA, kung ano talaga ang gagawin nila,” said the amiable commissioner. “Then siguro saka kami magko-convene ulit (with SBP) kung ano ang gagawin.”
Thursday’s meeting was just quick; the team left the office right away without talking to the press, probably to prevent the fire from spreading. Asked what was discussed besides the melee, Marcial said they had simply advised the pros.
“With the players, pinagsabihan namin. Inano namin yung sitwasyon kung saan nagsimula, kung bakit nangyari yun. Nagkwento sila. Sinabihan namin na hintayin ang imbestigasyon ng FIBA,” shared Marcial.
“Nagsalita naman sila. Pero more on pinagsabihan namin na sana ‘di na maulit, lalo na sa PBA na ‘wag na maulit. Ganoon lang ang tema.”
