Aguilar case may spark cage row

from philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Burger King top official Lito Alvarez expressed deep concern yesterday that the “Japeth Aguilar controversy,” if not managed well, may lead to a dispute between the SBP and the PBA.

Alvarez, also the PBA board chair, said there is now even a call in the PBA board to review the SBP by-laws to see if Smart Gilas has the mandate to prepare and play in elite tournaments like the 2010 Asian Games and the 2011 FIBA Asia championship.

“For all we know, Japeth has no Smart Gilas team looking to play for,” said Alvarez.

“I’m really bothered with what’s happening. This case is dragging. If this is not managed well, this may have a real big impact. This may lead to a fight between the SBP and the PBA which we all don’t want to happen,” Alvarez also said.

The BK top honcho is hoping SBP executive director Noli Eala to come out and help resolve the matter.

“Noli is a former PBA commissioner. He knows the PBA rules. He can manage this just by advising Japeth to come back to Burger King and honor his commitment,” said Alvarez.

In his Twitter account, Eala posted: “If Japeth had to leave PBA for an NBA contract say with the Lakers, do you think he’ll get the same flak? Why the big issue if it’s RP team?”

“This is an opportunity for Japeth to be the highest paid basketball player in the country. Burger King is giving him the maximum pay while also allowing him to play for Smart Gilas. As he plays for Smart Gilas, he may also get the same amount from them. He enjoys the best of both worlds,” Alvarez added.

Alvarez, however, is hoping Aguilar will reconsider his decision. He’s not yet filing a case with the PBA Commissioner’s Office as he plans to get in touch with Japeth’s father Peter.

“I will talk to the father. He may be enlightened,” said Alvarez.

But whatever happens, Alvarez said the PBA board is now set to review the SBP by-laws in a meeting Thursday or Friday.

“The PBA was already preparing for exit plan (from international play). But with this controversy, members of the board now want to revisit the SBP by-laws and see what our role is. I think there’s no resolution yet giving our role in representing the country in elite tourneys,” said Alvarez.