Erring, ailing Cabagnot back into SLR fold

Sta. Lucia Realty has given Alex Cabagnot one more chance to mend his ways, paving the way for the Fil-Am guard’s return less than two weeks before the start of the 2006-07 PBA season.

"We welcome him back but I made it sure he understands that this is his last chance," said Sta. Lucia governor Buddy Encarnado.

After going absent without leave (AWOL) the last three months, Cabagnot returned last Sunday and signed a new agreement with Encarnado, going on probation first before regaining his old status in the team.

The former University of Hawaii-Hilo player will be slapped penalties, including non-payment of his salary during his absence. He will also face a separate sanction from the PBA for playing in a tourney outside of the local pro league without permission from his mother ballclub.

Cabagnot saw action for the Los Angeles All Stars in a semi-pro league in Las Vegas which was also participated in by the Talk n Text Phone Pals.

With Cabagnot’s return, either of the two Sta. Lucia rookie guards in Ronnie Bughao and Mark Magsumbol may be dropped from the team.

"We’ll know it in the next few days. In the first place, we don’t know yet if Alex is in good shape. He’d long been away," said Encarnado.

In fact Cabagnot was immediately confined in a hospital for a case of tonsilitis upon his arrival Sunday. The entire team, led by Encarnado, visited Cabagnot after practice yesterday.

"That’s our way of showing we’re welcoming him back in the team. Hopefully, he makes good with his promise to mend his ways. If he does, I’m sure he’ll be of big help in our bid to make a good run at the championship," said Sta. Lucia team captain Dennis Espino.

Encarnado said Alex’s mother Joanna was the one who got in touch with him this time, asking that her son be given another chance.