MANILA, Philippines — Games and Amusements Board chair Baham Mitra issued a stern warning to those involved in the bizarre turnout of the game between Lapu-Lapu City and Siquijor in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup on Wednesday at Civic Center in Cebu.
As per the league in a press release, the game was stopped at halftime due to a “power interruption.”
But videos that have surfaced online showed players on both sides were intentionally missing free throws and wide-open layups.
A player from Lapu-Lapu City even missed two free throws after shooting the first one with his left hand and the second with his right while a player from Siquijor purposely aimed for the board while at the charity stripe.
“We are awaiting the report of our sports regulators inside the bubble to be presented and decided upon by the board in our meeting tomorrow. We would like to remind our players that a license to practice profession is not a right, but a concession and a privilege granted by the government,” Mitra said in a statement Wednesday night.
“Now, if they fail to abide by the rules, the government has the right to step in to impose necessary sanctions or revoke such a privilege. Officials, Coaches and players should act as professionals or lose their licenses. Shape up or ship out!”
Mitra vowed “decisive” action from GAB.
“We always believe in self regulation but GAB always ready to step in anytime specially when Integrity is at stake. This needs decisive action as it affects the whole league and whole basketball community.”
The distasteful scene has drawn the ire of current coaches and players including PBA stars Kiefer Ravena and Paul Lee.
Sad to see people/players playing the sport that gives livelihood to a lot of athletes. Wish they could treat it with respect and integrity. 🙌🏽🙏🏽
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) April 14, 2021
“Madaming player nawalan ng trabaho ngayong pandemic, at gusting gusto maglaro, kayo yung pinagpala para makapaglaro tapos ganyan hindi ako perfect as laro pero madaming questionable dito para sakin,” Lee wrote on Instagram.
(A lot of players lost their jobs during the pandemic and a lot of them want to play. You were blessed to be able to play but you chose to do this. I’m not perfect when I play the game but I see a lot of questionable plays here.)
And this?? They just make basketball in the Philippines look bad and downright disrespect the sport. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/UZKN1ZLzmZ
— Charles Tiu (@charlestiu) April 14, 2021
There’s always that stupid mistake that you Will regret for the rest of your life. #Vizmincup #respectthegame #CharacterMatters
— TY Tang (@TYTang_11) April 14, 2021