PBA: Larry Muyang hit with indefinite ban after playing in MPBL

FILE–Phoenix Fuel Masters Larry Muyang is hit with an indefinite ban in the PBA for playing in the MPBL. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Big man Larry Muyang has been indefinitely banned from the PBA after suiting up in another league despite still being under contract with Phoenix, league commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed on Sunday.

READ: Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin sees bright future ahead of Larry Muyang

Muyang was seen playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) a week ago, which marked a clear breach of his contract with the Fuel Masters.

“His status right now is banned from the PBA. Phoenix can even file a case against him. I talked to him earlier—he said he has some personal problems—but I told him that regardless, he has a contract with Phoenix,” said Marcial on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5 center made headlines after dropping 35 points in Pampanga’s 127-95 win over Manila, further drawing attention to his unpermitted MPBL stint.

Phoenix was naturally upset upon learning of Muyang’s appearance in the MPBL.

“They’re [Phoenix and Muyang] are not okay,” said Marcial. “I think whichever company you do that to, they’d be mad. He [Muyang] didn’t inform Phoenix about it,” that’s what I know.

Marcial also explained that for the ban to be lifted, Muyang has to make an appeal with the league’s Board of Governors.

Even if Muyang and the Fuel Masters make amends, the former will still have to make an appeal either way, in accordance with the league’s new ruling on players competing in another league despite being under contract.

Muyang’s situation is reminiscent of the situation with former San Miguel Beer swingman Kyt Jimenez

“Kyt had a contract [then], so [that’s an] automatic ban, even if San Miguel Beer allowed him to play. Should he come back, he also needs to make an appeal with the board,” explained Marcial.