The Bicol Spicy Oragons have been banned from the rest of the Pilipinas Super League Pearl of the Orient Cup after walking out of their game against the Cagayan de Oro Higalas last April 7 at the Manuel A. Roxas Sports Complex.
Aside from being banished from the ongoing tournament, the Oragons were also handed a stiff P500,000 fine. The team’s coach Monel Kallos, assistant Cezar Babasa, and team utility member Roneo Termanel have all been banned from participating any further in the league. Oragons wingman Joseph Brutas was also given a three-month suspension.
The decision was relayed to Bicol team owners Othello Labrador, Ricky Rifarial,
and Jherwin Araneta in a letter that was signed by PSL commissioner Marc Pingris and deputy commissioner Chelito Caro.
In the game last April 7, Cagayan de Oro was ahead, 67-63 with four minutes left in the game, when Brutas was called for an offensive foul. Bicol vehemently protested the call and then, walked out. Brutas was also heard shouting some choice words to the officiating crew, which led to his ban.
According to the memorandum, Bicol is now banned from playing its remaining games in the elimination round of the ongoing Pearl of the Orient Cup. According to PSL president Rocky Chan, the games where the Spicy Oragons will not be playing will be automatically credited as forfeiture wins by their opponents. Thus, they will finish the conference with a 3-11 record.
Chan rued that while he is saddened about doing this, the league really had to slap these penalties.
“Malungkot tayo sa nangyari, but the decision was discussed between our technical team and Commissioner Marc and Deputy Comm. Chelito Caro based on the guidelines and rules,” Chan said.
Despite the heaviness of the sanctions, Chan said that the league remains open to hearing an appeal from the Spicy Oragons.
“The league is not closing its doors for the team and sa mga personalities for any reconsideration of the decision handed to them,” he further said, implying that the PSL is willing to hear anyone if they find a ruling too harsh.
Bicol Spicy Oragons banished from Pilipinas Super League Pearl of the Orient Cup
