Ravena not allowed to play in ‘any league,’ practice with NLEX during ban

Kiefer Ravena reduced to being a spectator. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Kiefer Ravena will be missing a lot of basketball for a while.

The NLEX rookie’s 18-month suspension is not just limited to national team games and the PBA but to all basketball activities that the sport’s governing body Fiba sanctions.

SBP President Al Panlilio said on Thursday after the league’s board meeting at the PBA office that Ravena is not allowed to participate in any basketball activity under Fiba, including events.

READ: Kiefer Ravena tests positive for banned substances

He also cannot practice with the Road Warriors and will have to train on his own.

“It is clear that he is not allowed to play in any league,” said Panlilio. “It is very clear in the ruling that Kiefer cannot participate in all leagues, even events, except for activities that relate to anti-doping activities.”

Fiba slapped Ravena with the nearly-two-year ban after testing for prohibited substances found in a pre-workout drink, preventing him from playing with NLEX in the PBA and Gilas Pilipinas until next year.

READ: Ravena wants to raise awareness on anti-doping issues after ban

PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas said that the “PBA board took the decision of Fiba seriously.”

“The PBA is a member of the SBP and we will respect the rules that are in consonance with Fiba’s ruling of suspension,” said Vargas. “If we don’t comply with Fiba, the governing body might not allow imports to come to the PBA.”