Guiao: 18-month ban like ‘killing’ Ravena’s career

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao wasn’t a fan of euphemisms when he described Kiefer Ravena’s 18-month ban that Fiba imposed on the PBA rookie after testing positive for banned substances.

“It’s like they killed Kiefer’s career,” said Guiao in Filipino Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena after NLEX’ 117-106 loss to TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Under the Fiba’s punishment, which was relayed to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Ravena is not allowed to participate in any basketball-related activity with NLEX and in the PBA.

READ: NLEX stands by Kiefer Ravena amid doping ban

Ravena tested positive for banned substances under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list found in a pre-workout drink he ingested before the Philippines’ game against Japan in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Guiao said he wants to clarify if Ravena can still watch NLEX’ games in the PBA even as a spectator and not join the team on the bench.

“It’s still unclear to me if Kiefer’s allowed to watch our games even as part of the audience,” said Guiao. “Right now we have no idea on what Kiefer’s role is so we’ll just do what we can based on the limitations of the ruling.”

READ: NLEX stands by Kiefer Ravena amid doping ban

“In our context, the punishment is still vague because this is the only time that this has happened in this country but to them it’s probably clear because this has happened in other countries.”

With the rookie prohibited from joining the team even in practices, Ravena has been placed under NLEX’s injured list for the duration of the ban.