UAAP: UP can field in Ricafort, but face risks if TRO ‘invalid’

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

While Rob Ricafort can finally play for University of the Philippines after securing a temporary restraining order, the Maroons face the risk of forfeiture.

Commissioner Atty. Rebo Saguisag said the league will abide by the court ruling and won’t stop the wingman from playing if UP decides to field him.

But with TRO set to lapse on October 21, Ricafort’s fate this Season 80 is not yet set in stone.

“Should the TRO be invalid and void, there will be a possibility that the games [Ricafort played in] will be forfeited,” said Saguisag in a press conference Saturday.

“As the commissioner, I will not restrain him from playing. But they assume the risk depending on how the court will decide. After 20 days, we don’t know what will happen. It’s the team’s option.”

The UAAP eligibility committee initially ruled Ricafort ineligible to play this season as he will exceed the maximum age limit of 25.

Ricafort will turn 25 on January 2018, after the basketball season is over.