Will Navarro wants to be released from his full-time Gilas contract but clarifies he is still committed to the national team. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
MANILA—Will Navarro apologized to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and acknowledged his errors that barred him from joining the Seoul Samsung Thunders for the upcoming KBL season.
In a statement over Instagram on Thursday, Navarro said that he
personally went to SBP executive director Sonny Barrios to say sorry for
signing with Seoul Samsung despite having a live contract to be a full-time
Gilas Pilipinas player.
On Sunday, Barrios that the six-foot-six forward has to
honor his Gilas contract, which comes with a clause for him to play for
NorthPort in the PBA if he gets released.
"Today, I met with Exec Director Sonny Barrios at his
office and reiterated my sincere apology for my error and the misunderstanding
and miscommunication caused by my signing up with the Samsung Thunders of
Korea. I now fully recognize that I have an existing contract with the SBP and
am aware of its provision re: the rights of my PBA Drafting Team thru the PBA
special draft, NorthPort Batang Pier," Navarro said.
He then said that a management team is now assisting him in
his affairs so that a similar incident will not happen again in the future.
"Since the fallout of my actions, have sought
professional assistance and am now once again under the advisement of a
management team that will assist me with contracts and commitments moving
forward," Navarro continued.
He then reiterated his commitment to play for Gilas should
he get a call-up, but he too pleaded for him to be released from his contract.
"I seek the kind understanding and generosity of the
SBP, the PBA and the NorthPort Batang Pier Team to give me a chance to pursue
my and my family's dreams for my basketball career," the former Ateneo
Blue Eagle added.
Navarro, however, clarified that he will "abide by
whatever decision they may arrive at regarding my case."