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| GAB has begun taking a look at Ismael Romero's unsportsmanlike act in Dubai last month. EASL (file photo) |
MANILA—Games and Amusements Board chairman Francisco Rivera confirmed on Tuesday night that the professional sports regulatory body is already looking at the situation of Meralco import Ismael Romero after getting involved in a commotion during the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
First reported by Spin.PH's Snow Badua, Romero could risk losing his GAB license if the agency finds the bruising Puerto Rican center's unsportsmanlike act of kicking former PBA and MPBL star Nick Demusis during their DIBC match too concerning in a domestic sense.
However, when asked by Dugout Philippines, Rivera said that Demusis' camp has yet to file a complaint against Romero, which means for now, the latter remains eligible as Meralco's import for both the PBA and EASL.
"Insofar as the GAB is concerned, no case has been filed with us, which means that we are not yet in a position to issue orders, including a cease and desist order, that could affect Ismael’s eligibility to play," Rivera said.
This also means that as long as Demusis, who sought legal help in Dubai following the incident, has yet to take legal action domestically, resolving the issue could take time.
Another factor that could prolong the process, according to Rivera, is the setting of the kicking incident.
While both Demusis and Romero hold pro licenses, the scuffle occurred in Dubai with Romero playing for Libyan side Al-Ahli Tripoli.
"We can resolve it at the appropriate time, but as a legal proposition, the territoriality principle applies only in criminal cases," Rivera said.
He also said that the PBA might need to make the first move in resolving the matter, especially if Demusis, now a free agent after Nueva Ecija decided to take a leave of absence from the MPBL, can make a return to the top-tier league and could find himself facing Romero again.
"Under existing rules, the league will have the first opportunity to resolve it. Then any party who wants to challenge the league’s decision can elevate it to us," Rivera continued.
With no case filed as of Tuesday, Romero is cleared to play for the Bolts when they take on the Ryukyu Golden Kings in a do-or-die EASL clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
