Bicol Oragons banned for rest of PSL Pearl of the Orient Cup

Aside from his team's ban, Joseph Brutas, who is guarding John Saycon in this play, will be out for three months too. PSL (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

ROXAS, Zamboanga Del Norte—The Bicol Spicy Oragons have been banned for the remainder of the Pilipinas Super League Pearl of the Orient Cup after controversially walking out of their Thursday night game against the Cagayan De Oro Higalas at the Manuel A. Roxas Sports Complex here.

In a letter sent to Bicol team owners Othello Labrador, Ricky Rifarial, and Jherwin Araneta, PSL commissioner Marc Pingris and deputy commissioner Chelito Caro handed stiff sanctions on the Spicy Oragons after the team prematurely exited their game with still 4:02 left and them just trailing Cagayan De Oro, 63-67.

According to PSL president Rocky Chan, the Spicy Oragons' remaining opponents will be credited with forfeiture wins following the ban. Thus, they will finish the conference with a 3-11 record.

The entire Bicol squad has also been fined PHP500,000 for the walk-out incident pursuant to Section 5 of the PSL's rules and regulations.

Also, the PSL announced that Head Coach Monel Kallos, Assistant Coach Cezar Babasa, and team utility member Roneo Termanel have all been banned from participating any further in the league.

The PSL has also suspended Bicol's Joseph Brutas for three full months for actions that are detrimental to the league.

Brutas was called for an offensive foul after the referees deemed he warded off Cagayan De Oro's John Saycon while trying to create space for a jump shot.

In protest of the call, which they thought was a bum one, the Spicy Oragons made their way to the exits. Brutas was heard shouting some choice words to the officiating crew, which led to his personal ban.

Chan rued that while he is saddened about doing this, the league really had to slap these penalties.

"Malungkot tayo sa nangyari, but the decision was discussed between our technical team and Commissioner Marc and Deputy Comm. Chelito Caro based on the guidelines and rules," Chan said.

Despite the heaviness of the sanctions, Chan said that the league remains open to hearing an appeal from the Spicy Oragons.

"The league is not closing its doors for the team and sa mga personalities for any reconsideration of the decision handed to them," he further said, implying that the PSL is willing to hear anyone if they find a ruling too harsh.

Monday games blacked out

Meanwhile, the PSL postponed its Monday night games after a power interruption happened here.

The blackout happened just as the second half of the game between Cagayan Valley and Cagayan De Oro was underway.

The Golden Eagles, who were still seeking their first win in the conference, were leading, 37-28, early in the third quarter when play was stopped.

In the process, the other game of the night featuring Davao Occidental and Lapu-Lapu has been called off too.

Follow the site on Twitter: @DugoutPH