Controversial Barroca: My conscience is clear

Mark Barroca finally broke his silence on the controversy surrounding him and the FEU Tamaraws. And he has one strong message to his estranged team, the UAAP, the Smart-Gilas national team and the basketball-loving public: “Malinis po ang aking kunsensiya at wala akong alam na maling ginawa," said Barroca in a text message relayed by his agent, Ed Ponceja. “Pero ako po ay lubos na nalulungkot na hindi na ako makakapaglaro sa FEU at sa UAAP." A few days ago, Ponceja said his ward has decided not to return to the Tamaraws’ fold after hearing insinuations that he was involved in game-fixing.

FEU management, through its top executive Anton Montinola, later announced the team's decision not to field Barroca in its semifinal-round encounter with the Warriors as well as future games "to improve team chemistry." Barroca, meanwhile, appealed to FEU to allow him to finish his studies and to Smart-Gilas to give him a chance to prove his worth. And he just might get those. FEU athletic director Mark Molina, in a media interview Saturday, gave an assurance that Barroca, a sports recreation management student, will continue to enjoy his scholarship until his scheduled graduation in October 2010. The SBP, through its executive director Noli Eala, also said Barroca will still be a part of the Smart Gilas team given the ambitious task of earning a slot in the 2010 Olympics. “We support and respect FEU’s decision to remove Barroca from their team. However, that decision is based on reasons personal to FEU. It may be unfair or premature for Smart Gilas to pass judgment on Barroca at this time as we are not privy to the circumstances surrounding his disciplinary action," Eala said. “The SBP and FEU have come to a mutual understanding that it might be best for Barroca to be turned over already to Smart Gilas for handling." The 5’10 guard from Zamboanga saw action in the Smart-Gilas’ exhibition game Saturday against the Laguna Stallions. He played alongside another controversial cager, Philippine Basketball Association top overall pick Japeth Aguilar, and American CJ Giles to power the team to an easy win. - GMANews.TV