Draft snobs face lifetime PBA ban?
MANILA—PBA aspirants who join and get picked on Draft Day then refuse to play in the league—like what Japeth Aguilar did with Burger King last year—may ultimately merit a lifetime ban.
Shutting the PBA door for good is among the penalties being asked by some members of the board from the Commissioner’s Office in dealing with players who change their minds after being drafted.
“We will review the circumstances surrounding his change of heart,” commissioner Chito Salud told the Inquirer last night. “There are no clear cut rules at the moment other than the (Commissioner’s) office deciding on it.
“But if we find his (player’s) reasons (for changing his mind) as unacceptable, then the penalties could ultimately include a lifetime ban from joining the PBA.”
The topic was brought up after uncertainties regarding the applications of several Smart Gilas players in joining the Draft, scheduled Aug. 28 at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.
Players have until Friday (Aug. 26) to withdraw their applications, otherwise, they will be considered as candidates for the drafting exercise where Powerade picks first overall.
But even the move of withdrawing an application is an act which at least one influential board member wants to be penalized.
“If he withdraws his application, maybe it means that he thinks that he’s still not ready to turn pro at the last minute,” said the board member, who asked that he be identified only after he brings up the matter in the next board meeting scheduled Tuesday.
“And if he thinks that he is not ready, then maybe we should make him stay another two years (in the amateur) ranks,” added the board member.
“It’s not a good practice (by the players) because they are making fools out of the teams who are trying to prepare (for the next season) by looking at the roster of applicants.”
This development comes on the heels of a reported plan by some members of the board to shoot down a proposal by some to increase the rookie salary cap for the coming season.
Under league rules, a rookie is entitled to receive a maximum of P150,000 a month in the first year, P225,000 a month in the next and the maximum of P350,000 a month in his third season.
The proposed increase calls for a 30 percent rise of the rookie salary from the old rate.
