TNT import appeals ban; Narvasa decides Wednesday

Ivan Johnson and PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa. Photo by Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

Ivan Johnson, Tropang TNT’s highly volatile import, appeared before PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa Tuesday to appeal his lifetime ban from the league.

League officials said the encounter was “pleasant” and lasted close to two hours, but Narvasa withheld judgment.

Johnson came with his wife and two kids to air his side on his latest outburst that had Narvasa swiftly banning him for life and fining him P250,000.

The league’s media bureau chief, Willie Marcial, said the final decision on Johnson’s case will be ready by 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Narvasa gave Johnson a chance to explain his side upon the request of TNT management, which had rued the lack of due process in the banning of Johnson.

Tropang TNT, like sister teams Meralco and NLEX, is owned by tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan.

Johnson was thrown out before the end of the second quarter for two technical fouls—a call the import fiercely resented—in the Texters’ losing stand against the Meralco Bolts last Saturday.

On his way to the dugout, Johnson was seen and heard cursing Narvasa.

The commissioner issued the lifetime ban on Johnson even before the game ended.

Marcial said Tuesdays’s meeting turned out well with Narvasa even kidding around with the Johnsons after hearing the import out.

TNT, the defending Commissioner’s Cup champion, sees action again on Friday and Narvasa’s decision on whether to uphold the ban, lighten it, or lift it altogether will have a huge bearing on the Texters’ title-repeat campaign.