The Philippine Basketball Association has indefinitely banned Phoenix big man Larry Muyang for what the league described as a serious breach of contract.
The 6-foot-6 center found himself in hot water after suiting up for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Season 7 — despite still being under a live contract with Phoenix.
The PBA deemed the act a clear violation of league protocols regarding player agreements and affiliations.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial personally met with Muyang on Sunday during the Meralco-Phoenix and Converge-Blackwater doubleheader at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Following their discussion, Marcial did not mince words in delivering the league’s decision.
“Banned ang status niya (ngayon) sa PBA,” Marcial declared.
According to Phoenix management, Muyang’s contract is valid until May this year.
His decision to play for another team while still under contract with the Fuel Masters prompted the indefinite ban.
(C) PBA Images
What made matters more glaring was the fact that Muyang has already played in three games for the Giant Lanterns, posting impressive averages of 18.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per outing — numbers that suggest he wasn’t just suiting up, he was starring.
While Marcial acknowledged that Muyang expressed remorse during their meeting, the commissioner emphasized that active contracts are not to be taken lightly.
“Humingi siya ng pasensiya. Pero sabi ko kahit ganun, may kontrata siya sa Phoenix so dapat i-honor niya yun,” he said.
Marcial hinted that Phoenix might pursue further steps, potentially filing a case against Muyang for non-fulfillment of his contractual obligations — a move that would escalate the situation beyond basketball.
Still, all is not entirely lost for the former La Salle big man.
Even if Phoenix management and Muyang eventually reconcile, any return to the PBA would require him to appeal to the league’s Board of Governors.
“Kailangan umapela pa rin siya sa Board of Governors,” Marcial clarified.
The commissioner stressed that league rules require due process, and not even a resolution with Phoenix could bypass that.
Marcial also used the incident as a cautionary tale for players currently signed with PBA clubs. He reminded them of the importance of respecting contract terms and the potential consequences of circumventing the system.
“This should serve as notice,” Marcial said.
