Cager to withdraw case vs PBA?

Talk n Text player Norman Gonzales is reportedly now considering withdrawing the case he filed in court against the Philippine Basketball Association and its commissioner Noli Eala.

But whether Gonzales pursues or withdraws the case, Eala stressed the player must comply with the league order to undergo rehabilitation program if he is to be reinstated.

"There’s nothing official but there were feelers that he’s thinking of withdrawing the case then talking to me," Eala told The STAR.

"It’s his decision. The ball is in his court. But my stand here is that his filing of the case has nothing to do with his reinstatement. He should not make it (reinstatement) a condition for him to withdraw the case," Eala added.

"Reinstatement is subject to compliance. If he wants his reinstatement reevaluated, magpadala siya ng documents (proving he has followed the order of the Commissioner’s Office on his alleged doping case)."

This developed as Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 59 denied last Wednesday Gonzales’ petition for preliminary mandatory injunction to lift his suspension in the PBA for alleged illegal drug use.

With the decision, what’s left to be decided upon is the case for damages filed by the former San Beda Lion against the league and Eala.

Eala said Gonzales sent feelers of his intention to withdraw the case through Talk N Text alternate board member Al Panlilio.

But Eala stressed Gonzales’ suspension is an entirely different issue.

The league commissioner said a stiff sanction awaits the player for bringing the suspension issue before the court.

At the same time, Eala said he would soon open for reevaluation the cases of Red Bull’s Davonn Harp and Talk n Text’s Noli Locsin as both have submitted documents proving they’re drug-free.

But Eala ruled out the possibility of either of the two being reinstated in the Samsung Invitational Cup.

"It’s too early. Jimwell Torion became the precedent. Kung maaga mo silang ibalik, unfair kay Torion," Eala pointed out.

Meanwhile, Novi Sad-Yugoslavia and Magnolia-Jilin Qi make their debut in the Samsung Invitational Cup versus separate rivals at the Astrodome today.

The Yugoslavians take on the FedEx Express in the 5 p.m. curtain-raiser while the Chinese tackle the Alaska Aces in the 7:30 p.m. mainer.

These two foreign guest teams have emerged the top favorites to dispute the crown as they presented tall and beefy players during the opening ceremonies Sunday.

The Yugoslavians towered against groupmates the Red Bull Thunder, the FedEx Express, the Talk n Text Phone Pals and the Korean players from Yonsei University. The Chinese dwarfed the RP national team, the San Miguel Beermen, the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Alaska Aces.