Source: abs-cbnnews.com
MANILA - Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Renauld "Sonny" Barrios on Wednesday said the league will not impose a lifetime ban on veteran Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda after suspending him for mauling a fan.
Barris said he decided to suspend Arboleda without pay for the rest of the season to send a message that the league would not tolerate unruly behavior. He also said that the decision was not without precedent, noting that similar sanctions were handed out to athletes in other sports leagues.
"I made that decision, not the PBA Board. [Arboleda] cannot appeal before the board, it has to go through me. I have the full support of the Board. It is important to show to the public that we will not tolerate this," he told ABS-CBN.
He added, however, that PBA fan Alain Katigbac's appeal that Arboleda be banned from the PBA for life would be too harsh. "Tingin ko masyadong mabigat ang lifetime ban kung walang provocation at all. In fairmess to players in general, hindi naman iyan balat sibuyas," he said.
The PBA commissioner said the league will ensure that Burger King would comply with the PBA's decision after confirming that Arboleda is the son-in-law of BK owner Bert Lina.
He said the league will institute protocol geared towards responsible fan behavior and game watching. He said fans who curse players could be given a warning while those who throw objects or instigate fights will be automatically ejected from the venue.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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