Salud sacks, slaps stiff fine on Chongson

Tanduay Light head coach Lawrence Chongson was slapped with a P150,000 fine apart from a one-game suspension by PBA commissioner Chito Salud Tuesday. Mark Giongco

MANILA, Philippines — Tanduay Light coach Lawrence Chongson has been slapped with the highest penalty yet in the PBA D-League for “statements critical of and prejudicial to the best interests of the league.”

PBA commissioner Chito Salud Tuesday meted Chongson a P150,000 fine and a one-game suspension for his rants the past week, when Tanduay lost key players Mac Belo and Chris Newsome to MJM M-Builders and Hapee, respectively.

In a statement, Salud said Chongson’s comments were not only disparaging to the pro league’s developmental tournament, but also “offensive to and disrespectful of the reputation and image of the member-teams.”

Tanduay had been fighting for Belo, even after the league already ruled that the Far Eastern University star’s playing rights belong to the Builders.

Chongson, who alluded to a possible lawsuit against Belo, also issued a tirade against the league and Hapee after Tanduay lost Chris Newsome due to a technicality.

Hapee acquired Newsome after the Rhum Makers failed to give Ateneo’s Fil-Am guard a tender offer within the prescribed period. Chongson was summoned by Salud to the league office Tuesday.

“It’s already a non-issue, I’m ready to move forward,” said Chongson.