Alas won’t face sanction from PBA after Phoenix suspension for protocol violations

Coach Louie Alas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA will not impose a sanction on Phoenix head coach Louie Alas for violating the league’s health and safety protocols during practice.

Commissioner Willie Marcial doesn’t see any need for the PBA to penalize Alas since he has already been suspended by his team.

Marcial also said he is pleased to see teams taking the initiative and showing zero tolerance in ensuring a safe environment in practice.

“I’m actually okay with that to see that the teams themselves are the ones who are policing their ranks,” Marcial told INQUIRER.net in Filipino Wednesday.

Alas has been suspended for 15 days by the Phoenix management for breach of three health and safety guidelines on the very first day of the team’s training resumption.

Alas was said to have violated protocols for being inside the practice venue ahead of schedule and while the court was still being disinfected and for having his fingers taped by the team’s physical therapist.

“I’m disappointed but also happy at the same time because even though I got suspended for 15 days, I know that the guidelines will be strictly followed by our team,” Alas told INQUIRER.net.

The 56-year-old Alas, who stressed he isn’t justifying his actions, said it was “unintentional” for his part and added his emotions got the best of him.

“I had no idea that I committed violations until it was told to me by management. Everything was unintentional. I think I was just too excited to see that we’re finally able to practice again.”

Alas will be allowed to rejoin his team in practice on Sept. 10.