No suspension for Malonzo

MANILA, Philippines — No sanction from the PBA is forthcoming for Barangay Ginebra star Jamie Malonzo, who got involved in an ugly off-court fistfight that went viral last Sunday.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said Malonzo called him up yesterday to explain that the incident was borne out of “miscommunication,” and the latter has apologized for it.

“Sabi niya I want to apologize to you, the PBA, Gilas, SBP and the fans,” Marcial shared. “In-accept ko ang apology niya.”

As such, there won’t be any impediment for Malonzo to suit up when the Gin Kings start their quest in the Philippine Cup on March 8.

A video of the incident, which showed Malonzo taking a beating from his lone adversary, shorter in height but throwing punches like an MMA fighter, spread on social media after he missed Gilas Pilipinas’ home game against Chinese-Taipei, which the 10-man Nationals won, 106-53.

Malonzo took a right uppercut and left hooks to the face and went down on the floor. It took a while before they were separated. The incident, based on reports, happened in Taguig City.

In explaining Malonzo’s absence, coach Tim Cone said the Fil-Am suffered from gastroenteritis.

Marcial shared that he learned from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio that since gastroenteritis was a symptom for COVID-19, Malonzo was tested last Saturday and yielded a positive result. He tested positive again in a follow-up on game day.

“Kaya hindi nakalaro,” said Marcial.

With Malonzo sorry for it, Panlilio urged everyone to move on.

“Jamie has apologized to the PBA, the Ginebra fans, Gilas fans and the SBP. Let’s put at end on it,” he said.