PBA to Kiefer: Honor NLEX contract

MANILA, Philippines — It’s a no-go for want-away NLEX star Kiefer Ravena.

The PBA board of governors yesterday put its foot down on Ravena’s immediate plans of playing in Japan, ordering him to “honor his contract with his team and the league.”

“The philosophy is basically the sanctity of the contract,” PBA chairman Ricky Vargas said after an emergency board meeting.

“Breaking the rule of contract is going to be very difficult for us moving forward. It will create a difficult precedent not only for us in the PBA, but also for FIBA, which is also very strict about adhering to contracts, and SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas),” Vargas added.

Ravena, 27, who was set to join Japan club Shiga Lakestars as an Asian import for the coming B. League season, has three years left in the NLEX pact he signed last September.

PBA rules prohibit players with live contracts from participating in another league, whether domestic or international. The pro league also bars “exit clauses” or “contract buyout” based on existing policies.

“I know for fans of Kiefer, this (decision) is a letdown but after looking at everything, the board thought the PBA also will have to be protected,” said Vargas.

The PBA will officially notify the B. League of its firm decision. Commissioner Willie Marcial will communicate with Ravena.

As to possible penalties or legal actions if Ravena proceeds with his plans, vice chairman Bobby Rosales said the board hasn’t come to that.

“At this point we don’t know how Kiefer will take the board decision. And I think it’s not proper or timely for us to address a hypothetical question (about penalties),” he said.

“Hindi ko pa iniisip yan,” Vargas said on the question of legal options. “We’re just addressing the issue on hand which is: Can he break a contract or not? We wanted to take a look at it urgently to avoid any further complications.”