Eala says rule change middle ground in thorny issue

MANILA, Philippines — As the controversy surrounding NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena’s planned move to Japan rages, former PBA commissioner Noli Eala suggested that the pro league considers adjusting cagers’ contracts to the changing times.

Ravena is hooking up with the Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese B. League but is likely to encounter problem owing to his live Uniform Players’ Contract (UPC) with NLEX and the PBA.

“I’m all for athletes looking for opportunities abroad. Sports is global and universal. Having said that, however, I still believe live contracts have to be respected,” Eala said on Twitter.

“The PBA is a pro league. Players with live contracts cannot simply enter into another agreement to play elsewhere arbitrarily. The UPC is the keystone of stability of the PBA. Must be respected,” he added.

Eala, who served as PBA commissioner from 2003-2007, opined that the ideal way to address the issue is to amend the rules governing the UPC and make it attuned to the shifting basketball landscape.

“The middle ground is to revise the UPC to reflect the changing times. PBA must adapt,” he said.

The existing UPC prohibits players from taking part in other leagues, both domestic and overseas.

The Road Warriors, stressing they are “duty bound to abide by the league’s rules and regulations,” said the Japan engagement of Ravena “will need to conform with the terms of the UPC as well as the rules and policies of the PBA.”

But Ravena appears confident he can hurdle the obstacle and take his act to the B. League.

He even thanked the Road Warriors family and management led by MVP Group of Companies chief Manny V. Pangilinan for their support “throughout my stay.”

“Thank you for giving me your blessing and backing me in this next stage of my career,” he wrote on social media late Wednesday.

He likewise expressed his gratitude to the PBA board “for always supporting me.”