PBA: NLEX taps Stokley Chaffee to replace Thomas Robinson

New NLEX import Stokley Chaffee Jr.– Photo from NLEX Road Warriors

MANILA, Philippines–NLEX said Wednesday that it took into consideration a series of misconducts that prompted the team to send home Thomas Robinson and bring in Stokley Chaffee as replacement import for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Road Warriors described the decision as “a difficult but necessary decision” after being taken aback by the former NBA first round draft pick going on a vacation without informing the team, subsequently missing practices in the process.

“We value discipline, commitment, and teamwork, and unfortunately, his taking an unplanned vacation and skipping team practices, compromised these principles,” team manager Larry Fonacier said in a statement released by the team.

“The team’s success depends on a collective effort and a shared commitment, and we will continue to uphold these standards as we forge ahead in the season,” added Fonacier.

NLEX import Thomas Robinson in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Fonacier’s statement did not mention if the decision included Robinson’s verbal spat with NorthPort team manager Pido Jarencio and governor Erick Arejola following the Road Warriors’ win over the Batang Pier last Nov. 22 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jarencio was also heard shouting threatening remarks at Robinson as the two teams were heading back to their respective dressing rooms after the match. The Batang Pier official later apologized.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, as of posting time, has yet to decide if Jarencio will be penalized for the words he uttered at Robinson.

The Road Warriors are banking on Chaffee to be a suitable replacement in their bid to improve on their 2-2 record going Friday’s match with the unbeaten Magnolia Hotshots at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Chaffee, 26, has played in Cyprus and Finland after a US NCAA Division I stint with Tennessee State.