Asi return hinges on DOJ ruling

The key to suspended Asi Taulava’s reinstatement in the PBA is a reversal of the Department of Justice’s previous findings that ruled the Talk n Text behemoth was a "Fil-sham."

PBA commissioner Noli Eala stressed this yesterday amid reports that Talk n Text officials will press for the reopening of Taulava’s case following endorsements by several government agencies of the player’s return to active duty in the PBA.

"We’re continuously monitoring Taulava’s case. In fact, we’re waiting for reply from the Department of Justice on our clarification regarding its recent endorsement," said Eala.

"Ako mismo gusto ko nang matapos ang kasong ito. Isa lang ang hinihintay namin for the DOJ to reaffirm or reverse its previous findings on Asi’s case," Eala added.

In a recent resolution, the DOJ said it had no objection on Taulava’s right to earn a living but with a condition that the Phone Pals’ top player would secure a work permit with the Bureau of Immigration.

"We’re hoping that the DOJ make a reply on our clarification soon. At hinihintay namin yung decision sana na walang condition. Either they reaffirm or reverse," said Eala.

The Talk n Text Phone Pals are hoping to welcome Taulava back in their lineup as they battle the San Miguel Beermen in the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Cup Finals beginning tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

In another development, the coverage of PBA games may either resume with ABC-5 or transfer to IBC-13 with Solar Sports in charge of coverage at the start of the 2005-06 season.

"The PBA board of governors watched yesterday the presentations of ABC-5 and Solar Sports in their respective bids to become the PBA’s TV coverage partner.

"Both bidders were asked to be back Thursday to answer queries of the board members. IBC-13 didn’t pursue its own bid."

Meanwhile, Eala yesterday suspended indefinitely the three referees who officiated Game Four of the Talk n Text-Shell semifinal duel marred by dubious calls at endgame last Sunday.

Eala said Mario Montiel, Joey Calungcaguin and Throngy Aldava will be out of the entire Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Cup Finals with their reinstatement from suspension subject to reevaluation of their cases.

"While the errors were judgmental, we saw it as serious lapses that had great bearing on the complexion of the game. And while only one referee committed the mistake, it’s always been the league policy to suspend the entire crew," said Eala in suspending the three referees.

After reviewing the game tape, Calungcaguin admitted making a wrong call on Ajani Williams that led to his ouster from the game with 1:30 left in the clock and Shell trailing by three points.

"The refs were sincere in admitting their mistakes but we want to send a message not only to the fans but to our referees that they must stay sharp all the time," said Eala.

The Shell team questioned four specific calls in a letter to the Commissioner’s Office. Eala said Shell was correct on the two calls it raised.