Red Bull skipper Topex Robinson has left the Photokina Marketing franchise to join Purefoods even as Reed Juntilla faces possible revocation of his contract for going AWOL (absence without leave).
Robinson was given his release papers yesterday, allowing him to negotiate with the team of his choice freely.
The Purefoods management and Robinson had prior talks with the Giants expressing their desire to include the former San Sebastian Stag in their guard rotation.
“It’s a choice between Topex and (rookie free agent) Al Vergara. Wise money will be placed on Topex who’s got a lot of positive attributes. He’s a pesky guard who can defend the likes of Mike Cortez and Jimmy Alapag,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
However, Robinson’s arrival came a little bit late as he missed the Giants’ trip to Qatar. Purefoods leaves early this morning.
Given his release papers earlier at Red Bull was second-string center Paolo Bugia, now in search of a team who could give him longer minutes.
If unable to find a taker, Bugia is thinking on embarking on a new career in the United States. Bugia has a master’s degree from Ateneo.
Meanwhile, Juntilla may lose his two-year contract with Red Bull for his sudden disappearance.
“He had that reputation in the amateurs but we still gave him a chance thinking he may not do that in the pros. But he’s back in his old ways,” said Red Bull team manager Andy Jao.
“We’ve informed the Commissioner’s Office and his manager of his case. Coach Yeng (Guiao) wants him out of the team,” Jao added.
Enlisted by Red Bull towards the end of the 2007-08 season, Juntilla had just been signed to a fresh two-year contract before his disappearance.
“He even asked for a cash advance then he went supposedly in Cebu to be with his girlfriend,” said Jao. – Nelson Beltran