TNT faces heavy fine for not informing PBA about Abu Dhabi trip

October 3 ------ A stiff fine awaits TNT Tropang 5G upon its return from United Arab Emirates. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said he will penalize the flagship franchise of the MVP group for not properly informing the league about its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship.

Marcial added both coach Chot Reyes and team manager Jojo Lastimosa already talked to him and apologized. But nonetheless, the sanction stays. “Pipinahan ko 'yung team. Nakausap ko na si [PBA] chairman (and TNT team governor Ricky Vargas) tungkol dito,” said the commissioner.

Aside for not seeking the permission of the league, Marcial said the Tropang 5G broke a PBA rule prohibiting teams from competing in tournaments within a week before the start of a new season. “Hindi na namin pinapayagan yung mga ganyan para makaiwas sa injuries,” he said. “Yung mga tune up games nga this week sinasabihan namin na easy-easy na lang.”

The TNT contingent left for Dubai over the weekend to see action in the eight-team tournament in Abu Dhabi. The Tropang 5G cut short their stint in the import-flavored tournament as it won’t finish until Sunday, by which time the season-opening Philippine Cup begins.

Reyes earlier told SPIN.ph the Tropang 5G were supposed to back out of the mini-tournament after it was moved from Sept. 29 to October 5. But meet organizers badly wanted to have a Filipino contingent that they later agreed for TNT to just play out its elimination round games in Group A before returning to Manila even if it advances to the semis. Playing without the benefit of imports, the Tropang 5G finished their campaign with a 1-2 record.

They lost their opening game against home team Al Sharjah (93-74) and their last game against Lebanese club Al Riyadi, 94-53, while their lone win came at the expense of another UAE club, Al Dhafra, 98-76.

Reyes admitted TNT doesn’t stand a chance in the competition since it is playing with an all-Filipino unit in preparation for the Philippine Cup. The tourney also served as the only tune-up matches so far for the Tropang Giga heading to the league’s 50th season.

Source: spin.ph