Marcial, Yu dismiss ROS exit rumors as 'fake news'

The Elasto Painters are not heading elsewhere. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Rain Or Shine is not leaving the PBA anytime soon.

Team owner Raymond Yu, through league commissioner Willie Marcial, denied online rumors that his club is on its way out of the top tier basketball league.

Marcial relayed on Tuesday in the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum his conversation with Yu formally quashing the exit rumors.

"Personal po akong tinawagan. Sinabi po niya, 'Comm. Willie, hindi kami aalis ng PBA. Fake news yan,'" Marcial said.

According to the PBA chief, Yu's phone call was an affirmation of what he has been sensing all along especially when the exit rumors began to surface.

"Halos every other day, nag-uusap kami ni Boss Raymond. Wala naman siyang nababanggit sa akin na ganoon," Marcial continued, adding that Yu called him at nighttime moments after the rumors spread on social media to deny them.

ROS came into the league in 2006 after buying the franchise left by Shell.

A known powerhouse in the PBL, the Elasto Painters did not immediately translate their success in the defunct developmental league to the PBA but would still win two championships.

They seem to have a bright future ahead with Javee Mocon and Rey Nambatac likely to take over the leadership roles.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno