MANILA, Philippines — Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go and Kobe Paras will go unpunished after they were caught on video recently playing five-on-five in violation of government protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio lectured Ravena and Go, both members of Gilas Pilipinas, on the importance of following health protocols.
Paras, who plays for the UP Maroons in the UAAP, is not part of the SBP program.
“We’re not thinking of any fine,” said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios in yesterday’s online session of the PSA Forum also graced by SBP director for operations Butch Antonio.
“But they were reprimanded by president Al Panlilio and were told to stop doing what is not in accordance with government regulations. It’s embarrassing to us all,” Barrios said.
Barrios’ statements came a day after the PBA slapped P20,000 fines on Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and Rain or Shine’s Adrian Wong for their participation in the authorized scrimmage.
Aguilar and Wong were also ordered by the PBA to undergo swab testing, go into a two-week home quarantine and do 30 hours of community service.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial reminded the players, including Go, to be more cautious in their activities outside the PBA.
During the forum, Barrios said Gilas men’s program director Tab Baldwin continues to enjoy SBP’s trust and confidence following his controversial statements directed at the PBA.
Baldwin, who was fined P75,000 for his statements that were found to be “detrimental” to the interests of the PBA, will keep his job at the SBP despite being relieved of his duties as consultant and assistant coach of TNT KaTropa.
“It’s status quo or not unless he makes another statement along those lines,” Barrios said during the weekly forum presented by Smart and backed by San Miguel Corp., Amelie Hotel, Braska Restaurant and PAGCOR.
Baldwin drew flak from the PBA commissioner and fellow coaches for saying Filipino coaches are “tactically immature” and that the PBA is making a “big mistake” for holding single-import conferences.
Panlilio has stated that Baldwin’s thoughts were “not aligned” with his own opinion and that of the SBP’s.
Barrios said Panlilio is calling for a video conference with Baldwin and the SBP team to discuss their chart in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
For the meantime, Barrios said Mark Dickel of TNT remains the interim coach of the Gilas men’s.
“Unless and until there’s an announcement otherwise, he’s the interim coach,” said Barrios.
“Mr. Panlilio said the opinions that Tab Baldwin expressed were his personal ones,” said Barrios.