During the PBA Board of Governors regular meeting Tuesday, a decision was made with finality to toughen the rules and penalties on walkouts from games.  It’s a sanction that would certainly deter any team from coming up with such a form of protest in the future.

From a fine of P500,000, the board passed a resolution to increase it to  P10 million and a suspension for the team that walks out for an extra game.  So aside from forfeiting the game they walk out of, they also forfeit their next scheduled assignment.

Commissioner Sonny Barrios clarified that these rulings are not retroactive and that the P1.2 million peso fine slapped on Talk ‘N Text for walking out is done.

“We’re moving forward and the PBA board wants to impress upon the public that their interest is paramount and primordial to the league,” Barrios said.

“We are all in agreement that a walkout should not be done.  So from a proposal of P5 million, it was increased to even P10 million.  They went for the biggest amount on the table to send a very clear message”, added Mr. Barrios.

In the same meeting, the PBA Board also granted the request of the Lina franchise through its Governor and PBA Chairman Lito Alvarez, to formalize their return to the Air21 name under the premise that they will not revert to Burger King, a business co-owned by Mr. Bert Lina and Mr. Manny Pangilinan, for at least the next two years.  

With the board granting this approval, the two independent identities can now directly trade with one another.  

As of Wednesday, Commissioner Sonny Barrios said they have not received any letter from either Talk ‘N Text or Air 21 about player movements so as far as they are concerned, there are no formal trades to speak of and to approve of.  

Another matter the Board tackled was the uniform rule.  In the latter part of the elimination round, during an out-of-town game in Zamboanga City, Talk ‘N Text came to the game wearing the wrong shade of uniform and were given ample time by the PBA to correct that matter.  This was met with much criticism from the San Miguel Beerman team but never made the necessary measures to formalize a protest.

According to Commissioner Barrios, if a team comes wearing the wrong shade (light or dark) of uniform, this team will be given 15 minutes if the game is in Manila, and 30 minutes if it’s out-of-town, to change it.  There will be a corresponding fine, depending on when the team formally reports with their correct shade of uniform after the allotted grace period.  

No default on the game which is affected by this rule. (PBH)