Fonacier excused by NLEX from PBA bubble restart

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Larry Fonacier won’t be with NLEX during the PBA bubble restart, his head coach Yeng Guiao said Monday.

Guiao said the veteran swingman’s absence is “excused” by the team.

“We excused him. His wife has health issues. The team and management understand his situation. Family is always a priority,” Guiao said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

Fonacier, 38, has been a key part of the Road Warriors and his loss will surely be felt as NLEX aims to have a deep run in the playoffs.

The PBA is expected to enter its bubble on Sept. 26 and begin scrimmages a day after while an Oct. 9 date has been set for the official resumption of its 45th season, which has been put on hold since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 350 people will be inside the bubble with a maximum of 25 persons for each of the 12 teams.