Meralco slaps Gary David with 1-game suspension for insubordination

The Meralco Bolts management has slapped veteran gunner Gary David with a one-game suspension due to "insubordination" following the team's loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Friday.

David was benched for the whole game, but the Bolts said head coach Norman Black summoned him to play with four minutes left in the final period.

"Gary then indicated to Coach Norman that he did not want to play," read the statement posted in Meralco's sports website.

"After further investigation, it was clear there were no physical impediments for Gary not to enter the game."

The statement said that the management found David's "unacceptable" behavior as insubordination, "lack of dedication to the team," and "breach of contract" for refusing to check into the game.

In addition to suspension, David was also fined an undisclosed amount for the incident.

"In keeping with team policies, disciplinary actions will be enforced," the statement said.

"The Bolts still support Gary as a member of the team, but sanctions have to be imposed to maintain discipline and alignment with Meralco’s team culture."

David is averaging 6.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in just 16 minutes of action per game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. — APG, GMA News