GAB chair bucks stripping of PBA player?s license
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 12 Mar 2014
Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Juan Ramon ?Monju? Guanzon yesterday opined he does not favor the cancellation of licenses of professional basketball cagers who refused to render service for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Spain this August.
Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, head of the House Committee on Games and Amusement, in a national daily, said that GAB should not issue license to play to those PBA players who were selected to be with the national squad, but refused to join.
Further, the lawmaker stressed that there are some PBA players who have forgotten to serve the country.
However, Guanzon made three primary reasons why he?s not in favor of the lawmaker?s idea, namely: there is no legal basis; the player?s fitness to play; and it is a violation of the individual?s right to livelihood.
?Firstly, what?s the legal basis for GAB to cancel the players? licenses when they won?t play for the national team? We will be taking this up in our Board meeting,? the GAB chief said.
?Second point, based on my experience, an athlete whose mind and heart aren?t in the game will not really perform the way we expect him to. Even if he?s a superstar, or even if he?s Michael Jordan, he won?t be effective in the team,? Guanzon said.
?If we forced him to play and commit error, then, the entire Filipino nation might put the blame on the team management for compelling this cager to play,? he explained.
?Lastly, granting that those injuries are true and they wanted to take some rest, will you be going to deprive them of livelihood?? he opined.
Barangay Ginebra?s rookie center Greg Slaughter and San Miguel Beermen wingman Marcio Lassiter, who both played for the Gilas squad under former coach Raiko Toroman, waived themselves from the 17-man pool for the FIBA World Cup and Asian Games in South Korea.
Both pro cagers claimed that the team which finished second in the FIBA Asia Championship deserved to play in Spain.
Slaughter, the 6-foot-11 center from Cebu, stressed that after playing for the national squad in the last several years, he knew the feeling of those in the team when someone new comes in.
On the other hand, San Miguel Corporation executive Robert Non, in a statement on the PBA website, said that no less than the company?s president, Ramon Ang, tried to talk Slaughter into staying in the pool.
Gilas is bracketed in Group B in FIBA World Cup with Senegal, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Greece, and Croatia.(WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL)
http://www.watchmendaily.com/sports/gab-chair-bucks-stripping-pba-players-license/
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jerome S. Galunan Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Christian Mbilli & Maciej Sulecki Collide for Interim Super Middleweight World Title FRIDAY in Quebec City
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Rivas vs Wada: Battle for Women’s OPBF Supremacy Today in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Mexican boxing icon Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Respects Cuban fighters & rivalry
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Claressa Shields Partners with King Moore to Empower Detroit Youth with the “Follow Your Dreams” Program Presented by SMT Financial Partners
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Saturday’s title defense vs. Yuniel Dorticos could be prelude to mega-fight for Gilberto Ramirez against Jake Paul or Unification showdown with Jay Opetaia or Badou Jack
Wed, 25 Jun 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 June 2025: Norman Flattens Sasaki; Simsri Edges Araneta; Rodriguez Outpoints Yafai
By Eric Armit, Tue, 24 Jun 2025FM Daluz rules 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Ancajas awaits call to join card
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Macado fights Dulayba in Venue 88
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 24 Jun 2025“Showtime” Shea Willcox & Rich Allen turned in KO Performances
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Undefeated prospect Marco Romero To be showcased on Deontay Wilder PPV card this Friday night in Wichita
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Toro Promotions. Inc. to promote its First International pro boxing show in El Salvador on September 20th
Tue, 24 Jun 2025