PBA summons player over 'game fixing' tweet

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Salud said yesterday Don Allado’s serious allegation made on a social networking site is inimical to the league and summoned the Barako Bull player to a meeting today.

 Salud called Allado’s charges “baseless, reckless, inexcusable and unacceptable” and coming from “someone who has lost his mind and a sore loser.”

 The league commissioner said Allado has to prove his allegation or face the consequence of his action, including a possible ban.

 Salud refuted Allado’s statement and immediately summoned the player to appear in the PBA office at 11 a.m. today.

 “These accusations that we control who goes into the semis/finals/eventual champion, are baseless, unfounded,” said Salud.

 “There were statements before issued by teams, coaches, team owners that they’re not getting the fair share of calls, but that’s nothing compared to these statements of Allado, questioning the credibility and integrity of the league, just because of a bitter loss,” Salud added.

 Allado attacked the PBA in his Twitter account @alotofDON hours after the Energy were eased out of the current PBA season by the Powerade Tigers in a knockout tiff Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Powerade won, 99-95.

 “I’m the guy that says what others can’t. PBA games are fixed. They control who is in and who is out. It’s a disgrace to be in this league,” Allado tweeted.

 “I am bitter about losing. Not to Powerade, but to PBA. In my opinion, this league has little credibility left,” Allado also posted.

 Salud said it is a regrettable and lamentable statement detrimental to the entire league, but he’s giving Allado due process.

 “I have to hear his side tomorrow (today). Let him defend himself, because that’s part of due process. We have to hear everybody’s side before we decide.

 “Whether he deleted the statements or not is immaterial. The important thing is he issued statements in public.

 “It’s the first time I heard a player blatantly accusing the league of game-fixing. I am aching to hear his side. Obviously, it’s a result of emotions. But that’s a test. You need to check your emotions, check your temper,” Salud said.

 He added Allado indicted not just the game officials, but the entire organization and membership of the league, his co-players and team officials alike.

 “This is a serious accusation, and I do not intend to take it lightly,” said Salud.

 Allado also tweeted that he hopes to be sanctioned then “I will expose them all.”

 “It’s a shame. It’s irresponsible coming from a guy that has benefited for 13 years from the league that he now attacks. He’s a PBA player of 13 years and he speaks only today,” said Salud.

 The former La Salle Archer was Alaska’s direct hire in 1999. He has also played for Talk n Text, Air21 and B-Meg before moving over to Barako where he has a contract that is about to expire.

 The Barako management and coaching staff, meanwhile, have distanced themselves from the player.

 Barako coach Junel Baculi said he doesn’t know where Allado’s statement came from although he felt spotty officiating cost them the game versus Powerade.

 Baculi mentioned a crucial non-call on a three-second violation by Omar Sneed in the homestretch and also noted the Tigers getting away without a single foul in the third quarter.

 The referee, Peter Balao, who missed the call has been suspended for the rest of the season, according to PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

 The Barako mentor said he’s accepted their loss.

 “In the dugout after the game, I just told the guys we brought this on us and let us suffer. We prayed then I left,” said Baculi.

 Baculi and team manager Raffy Casyao had a meeting right after the game, agreeing to put some youth in their lineup for next season.

 Barako has several players with expiring contracts including Allado, Mick Pennisi, Willie Miller, Ronald Tubid, Celino Cruz, Sunday Salvacion and Leo Najorda. Danny Seigleand Doug Kramer are two key players still with existing pacts.