MPBL cancels Bacolod's season, bans players and coaches over alleged game manipulation

July 31 ------ The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has cancelled the participation of the Bacolod Masskara franchise for the remainder of the season and imposed bans on players and coaches allegedly involved in potential game manipulation.

The sanctions came days after Bacolod suffered a 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas, a game in which the Masskara failed to score over the final 7:48 of the fourth quarter while committing six turnovers in the period. "The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball," MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta said. "Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners, and the public."

According to the league, this is also not the first time that the team has been warned as previous incidents were also flagged by the commissioner's office. League founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao also approved the sanctions after watching the game. Meanwhile, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) said it has launched a fact-finding investigation into the game. "Following standard regulatory procedure, the GAB will require those who appeared to have committed acts that can be considered conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball player to submit their respective comments. This ensures that all relevant parties are afforded due process and given a fair opportunity to be heard. Upon receipt and evaluation of all relevant submissions, the GAB will resolve the matter objectively and in accordance with existing rules," the GAB said.

Source: gmanetwork.com