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| Carl Tamayo is not joining the Manila Stars according to Virtual Playground. FIBA (file photo) |
MANILA—There is no truth to a rumor circulating on Monday that Carl Tamayo is taking his talents to the MPBL.
On Tuesday, Tamayo himself refuted a rumor mill from a certain Andrew Yu claiming that he, a free agent right now after parting ways with B.League club Ryukyu Golden Kings, has already signed up with the Manila Stars.
"Fake news!" Tamayo said in an Instagram story reposting the supposed report, essentially denying too that Yu interviewed him about it.
Virtual Playground then issued a statement saying, "Gilas Pilipinas player Carl Tamayo will not be playing for Manila Stars in the MPBL despite claims by Andrew Yu in a Facebook group. Tamayo has not confirmed this in any statement. We urge the public to rely only on credible media practitioners for accurate information."
The Charlie Dy and Dondon Monteverde-owned group also mulled potential legal actions against fake news purveyors who would keep issuing such "reports".
"We warn those who spread fake news to stop creating and spreading misinformation. We are seeking legal assistance if necessary to protect the careers of our athletes," Virtual Playground further said.
The statement concluded, "Tamayo is currently only committed to Gilas Pilipinas while weighing options on his professional basketball career."
The previous season saw two former B.League Asian imports taking their acts to the MPBL, Balti Baltazar and Kemark Carino.
Carino began his MPBL career with Muntinlupa before moving to Nueva Ecija, but he did not finish the season as Terrafirma drafted him to the PBA.
Baltazar, though, finished the season with Pampanga and won season MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Finals MVP, and more importantly the national championship.
Baltazar will still play for the Giant Lanterns this season, although the speculations remain if he declares for the PBA Draft this year.
Meanwhile, the Manila franchise currently plays in the PSL as the Citystars, although some high-profile signings could be on their way following a reported tie-up with Strong Group.
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