Don Allado issues an apology; Comm. Salud says accusation ‘baseless’

MANILA, Philippines—After maligning the Philippine Basketball Association on his Twitter account and accusing the games of being “fixed,” Barako Bull’s Don Allado has issued on apology Wednesday night.

Allado heavily criticized the officiating and indicted the league for controlling “who is in and who is out,” but deleted all of the tweets and apologized after stirring a great controversy.

“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Comm Salud & entire PBA for last night’s tweets that’s now a subject of controversy,” said Allado on a tweet.

“It was an error in judgement on my part to let my passion for this game get the best of me. As a professional I should’ve known better. I understand my statement may be construed by many as discrediting the PBA. Let it be known, however, that such is not my intention. Again, my sincerest apologies to the Comm Salud, Board of Governors & entire PBA,” Allado went on to finish.

The tweets, which created waves among basketball fans and spectators alike, have reached the PBA office which prompted Commissioner Chito Salud to summon Allado and have him explain his actions.

But even before Allado could meet face-to-face with Salud Thursday morning — he turned, once again, on Twitter to air his side.

Allado, the outspoken forward who has been in the league for more than a decade, Tuesday sent a barrage of critical tweets (@alotofDON), following a taut 95-99 setback to Powerade which eliminated the Energy.

With the game going down-the-wire, the Barako Bull coaching staff went livid over what they thought was a non-call on Powerade import Omar Sneed, who fell on his back inside the shaded area and wasn’t able to get up –but wasn’t called for a three-second violation–which resulted to a JV Casio basket that stretched the Tigers’ lead to eight, 97-89, with 1:46 left.

“I’m the guy that says what others can’t. PBA games are fixed. They control who’s in and who’s out. It’s a disgrace to be in this league,” Allado said in one of his tweets.

“I can accept losing to teams, but I can’t accept losing because of the referees.” Also posted by Allado. “Very disappointed in the PBA. You didn’t have to suspend the refs, you did what you told them to.”

For Salud, though, Allado’s comments were nothing but “baseless.”

“I just want to stress to all our fans, (that) this accusation that the league is rigged, fixed and that we control who goes into the semis, finals and is the eventual champion, is baseless,” said Salud in a press conference.

“Statements like those can only come from someone who clearly lost his mind and is clearly a sore loser,” Salud added.

A heavy fine and game suspensions are in order– but with the gravity of Allado’s words, Salud hinted that imposing a lifetime ban is a possibility.

“My interest right now is to find out if he has evidence to back up his accusations,” Salud said.

“I have been a fan of the PBA before I became commissioner 2 years ago. This is the first time that I’ve heard a player blatantly accusing the league of being fixed, have you? No. I think this is unacceptable and I am aching to hear his side,” Salud said.

“The PBA wants to impart to the youth that we have to hear everybody’s side before we decide. He better have a good explanation,” Salud added.