TNT KaTropa slaps $10,000 fine on Rice

MANILA, Philippines — The TNT KaTropa management imposed a hefty fine of $10,000 (P514,000) on Glen Rice Jr. for his outburst that led to his ejection in Game Four of their PBA Governors Cup semifinal showdown with Barangay Ginebra. It subsequently cost the team’s title bid as the Gin Kings went on to take the series, 3-1.

“His undesirable, unprofessional, unruly and unsportsmanlike behavior adversely affected not only the team’s image but the brand and corporate reputation of the PLDT Group as well,” the team management said in a statement.

The PBA Commissioner’s Office had earlier slapped a P26,000 fine on the erring import.

“His behavior during TNT’s last game constitutes willful violation and breach of his contract,” the team statement said.

“Mr. Rice as a professional player, promised to comply with all the team’s rules and regulations and to act or conduct himself in a gentlemanly manner at all times so as to project a totally wholesome image for the team and the PLDT Group,” the statement added.

Team manager Virgil Villavicencio said they’re deducting from his final compensation the amount of the PBA fine plus the team fine.

Commissioner Chito Narvasa earlier assessed Rice a fine of P26,000 for his technical infractions and for disrespecting team and league officials.

After his confrontation with Ginebra player Kevin Ferrer, Rice had a verbal altercation with TNT governor Patrick Gregorio.

“He flew home without issuing an apology,” said Villavicencio.

The TNT team manager said they have informed Rice’s agent of the sanctions, and the Rice camp didn’t complain.

The team management said they issued the fine “without prejudice to whatever legal right TNT may have against Rice for damages and other available remedies under our contract.”