PBA to abide by FIBA decision to suspend 10 Gilas players, 2 coaches

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) on Friday said it is abiding by the decision of FIBA to suspend 10 Gilas Pilipinas players and two coaches, but expressed its support to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas if ever it decides to appeal the sanctions imposed.

"Susunod naman po kami kung ano ang hatol ng FIBA. Hindi ko po alam kung aapela pa ang SBP sa mga sanction. Pero susuporta pa rin po kami sa SBP," PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said in an interview on GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

Marcial said the PBA was relieved that the suspensions only covered FIBA games and not league games.

"Du'n nga po kami nagpapasalamat, hindi po nakasama ang PBA, du'n lang po sa FIBA competition masu-suspend ang mga players natin."

Further, the league will be ready for the replacement of the suspended players, which will be up to Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes.

"Ang pool po ng Gilas ay 'yung buong 12 teams ng PBA. Lahat po ng players ng PBA, sumusuporta po kami at kung ano ang kailangan ng Gilas ay ibibigay namin... Depende po kay coach Chot kung ano po ang gagawin niya pero palagay ko na pipili talaga ng mga player sa PBA para sa September," Marcial said.

Involvement of fans

The PBA Commissioner said he was shocked that the next Gilas game will be held behind closed doors, but admitted that it served as a lesson for the fans not to be involved in brawls between players.

Marcial assured the involvement of fans in brawls will not happen in PBA.

"'Pag sa PBA po nangyari 'yan, kakausapin namin 'yung fans na huwag na muna namin sila papasukin o i-ban."

On Thursday, the FIBA Disciplinary Panel suspended Calvin Abueva, Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz, Jio Jalalon, Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche, Jeth Rosario, Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright after their recent game with Australia resulted in a chaotic brawl.

Assistant coach Joseph Uichico and head coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes were also suspended. Reyes was also mandated to pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 10,000.

The referees who officiated the controversial game were also served sanctions. — Jamil Santos/RSJ, GMA News