Ginebra 'wait and see' on Brownlee status as PBA Commissioner’s Cup looms

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra said it is still awaiting word regarding Justin Brownlee’s possible sanctions after the beloved import was flagged for doping after the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Brownlee tested positive for carboxy-THC, a prohibited substance associated with marijuana, following Gilas Pilipinas’ gold medal finish in the Asiad. 

At a press conference Tuesday afternoon announcing the upcoming 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua said they are mulling whether or not they will still appeal the test results.

This, since the B sample still came from Brownlee’s urine sample that was flagged for the drug. 

“If we contest it, they’re gonna try to open the B [sample.] We are thinking that maybe, let us not open the B [sample] because that is still his urine,” Chua told reporters in Filipino. 

“He will not be tested for new urine. So his urine [from before] will just be tested… So, maybe, we’re just gonna wait what [the decision will be], and what the [Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas] will say,” he added. 

According to the International Testing Agency, if Brownlee’s B sample yields a positive result, he may face suspension for two years. 

This puts him at risk to possibly miss next year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July. 

“As of now, we will wait and see what we will do with Brownlee,” said Chua.

As of Tuesday, the many-time champion and Best Import awardee is still listed as Genera’s import for the Commissioner’s Cup, which will start in November.