Nuyles, Mahindra settle contract dispute

MANILA, Philippines - Third-year swingman Alex Nuyles and Mahindra came to terms Monday night, allowing the shifty slasher to play for the Enforcers in the 2016 PBA season which fires off Oct. 18.

“It was just a case of miscommunication and I sincerely apologize to the management of Mahindra for expressing doubts that they will not honor the contract renewal I signed with Kia,” Nuyles said in a statement.

“In this light, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to Mahindra for giving me this opportunity to play for their team in the forthcoming 2015-2016 PBA season,” he added. 

Nuyles turned to social media to announce his contract row with the Mahindra basketball team. Without a signed contract in his possession, he thought management was reneging on its commitment.

Commissioner Chito Narvasa, who was in China at that time to lend moral support to Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia joust, was aware of the problem and directed his executive assistant Pita Dobles, who also heads the Players Affairs Office, to talk to the two sides.

The case was subsequently settled with both camps reaching an agreement on the night of Narvasa’s arrival.

The Players’ Affairs Office was created to handle all players’ concerns outside of basketball.

“I’d like to thank commissioner Narvasa and his office for the concern and the valuable help they extended to us,” said Nuyles’ agent Ed Ponceja. “We’re just glad this is over so Alex can fully concentrate on preparing for the coming season.”