MANILA, Philippines - Two-time UAAP MVP Don Allado is now unemployed. His PBA contract with Barako Bull recently expired and he faces a one-conference suspension slapped by commissioner Chito Salud for sending out compromising messages on his twitter account alleging manipulation of game results. Aside from the ban, Salud penalized Allado with a P500,000 fine – P200,000 of which will be given to a charitable institution of his choice.
Allado, 35, was upset after Barako lost a 99-95 decision to Powerade in a knockout playoff last July 3, ending its Governors Cup campaign and season. A win would’ve matched Barako against Meralco in another playoff for a ticket to the six-team semifinals. At about 3 a.m. the morning after the defeat, a sleepless Allado vented his frustrations on twitter. He later apologized for his angry outburst, deleted the tweets and said he didn’t mean what he tweeted. But because his tweets went viral, he paid a hefty price for his indiscretion.
It was a hard grind for Barako all season long. In the first conference, the Energy wound up eighth with a 6-9 record. Barako bounced back in the Commissioner’s Cup, finishing fourth with an 8-9 mark after losing to Talk ‘N’ Text in a best-of-five semifinal series that went the distance. Then, it was back to eighth place in the third conference.
Instead of sulking and moping, Allado committed himself to doing community service during the offseason. It was his way of giving back and showing the PBA he’s turned a new leaf. He joined Quezon City councilor Eufemio Lagumbay in relief operations for barangays affected by Habagat, participated in an eye-care awareness program with free medical services in Blue Ridge, Matandang Balara and Bagumbuhay and conducted basketball training in Bagumbuhay. Allado was involved in cooking and delivering over 1,000 packed meals to flood victims in Marikina. He was with Marc Pingris in conducting basketball clinics and playing with kids of Bahay Tuklasan at the Little Baguio courts in San Juan. Allado also visited Ilagan, Isabela, to promote barangay medical missions and host a basketball tournament organized by Gov. Faustino Dy III.
“There was no fanfare when Don did this work,” said Allado’s father Caloy, a former UP cager. “Not too many people know that Don and his friend Paolo Bugia were at Pino Restaurant in Teachers Village cooking and packing 500 meals which they delivered to Ateneo for distribution to flood victims one night. The next day, they cooked 600 meals and delivered packed food to the Tumana Elementary School along with over 200 bottles of water that Don bought out of his own pocket. Don has a big heart, especially for those who are less fortunate. He’s never given us any problems. He’s a good son and an inspiration to his brothers. He lost his head after losing in the playoff and blamed the world for the defeat instead of committing himself to coming back stronger next season. That’s because he’s so intense when he plays. But he regrets what he did. It was a bitter lesson but he has learned from this experience.”
Since Allado is barred from playing in the coming Philippine Cup, no team has contracted him for the season. However, officials from two teams in the ABL have reached out to Allado checking on his availability to play in the Asean league. Allado’s father said his son hopes to appeal the PBA’s five-month suspension as he has no means of livelihood to pay for mortgages, utility bills and family expenses.
Last season, Allado averaged 8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 21.5 minutes in 42 games, including eight starts. He shot .474 from the field and .755 from the stripe. Allado’s season high was 20 points so that his average of 8.0 was an indication of his consistency. It was his best showing the last four years.
Allado said he regrets what he did. “I would take it all back if I could,” he said. “I’m not proud of what I did and the consequences I got for it. This whole ordeal has humbled me greatly and has since moved me to make right what I have done on a scale that includes not only the good name of the PBA, my home for 13 years, but also the community.”