MANILA, Philippines — The PBA is probing the alleged participation of Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and Rain or Shine’s Adrian Wong in an unauthorized training session and scrimmage during quarantine.
Governors Cup Finals MVP Aguilar and rookie Wong were among those featured in a series of video and photos on social media of a group that sweated it out recently.
“Pinatawag ko si Japeth at si Wong sa Monday sa PBA Office (I summoned Aguilar and Wong to hear their side),” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday.
Also seen in the posts were Japan-bound Thirdy Ravena, Kobe Paras and Isaac Go, the top pick of Columbian in the special Gilas draft who’s technically under the supervision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“Kinausap ko na rin si Isaac (I already talked to Go),” said Marcial.
The video of the alleged 5-on-5 on Instagram dated July 1 was taken down yesterday afternoon amid concerns of a possible violation of quarantine restrictions.
The PBA has a standing order barring team training in line with the government’s prohibition on sports-related gatherings and events under general community quarantine.
The pro league has its own return-to-training proposal filed with the IATF through the Games and Amusements Board that involves only four players, one trainer, and one health officer per batch in non-scrimmage sessions.
Marcial refused to say what awaits Aguilar and Wong.
“Kausapin ko muna. Tignan natin (We’ll see),” he said.