Tyson Chandler, James Harden and Coach Lucas of the NBA watch as Gabriel Hatton, Kyle Villamor and Kenneth Kadabi, the three kids from Tacloban city, conduct lay up drills during the NBA Clinic held at the Smart Araneta. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines – After the uproar over the cancellation of the basketball game of the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas against the National Basketball Association stars, the premier basketball league in the world broke its silence and blasted the promoters of the Gilas Last Home Stand for failing to meet the NBA requirements.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the NBA said that under their Collective Bargaining Agreement, which regulates the players’ on and off-court business, promoters are required to assure the safety of the players and seek permission from the player and their respective teams to allow a basketball game to be played in the off-season.
NBA said the promoter of the Home Stand, East-West Private LLC, did not meet the requirements for a basketball game to be played.
It also failed to meet the NBA conditions given to organizers “several months ago.”
Despite the cancellation, the NBA said that they are still fully-committed in developing the league in the country and humanitarian aid especially for the survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”
“Filipinos are among the most passionate basketball fans in the world and we are committed to bringing them more access to our game and supporting the ongoing Typhoon Haiyan rehabilitation efforts,” the NBA said.
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