Ex-PBA import arrested for assaulting cop

MANILA, Philippines - After a night of “having fun” with three women, an American who played for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) reached for his billfold and allegedly found $1,400 missing.

Police said former Rain or Shine import Jamelle Cornley trashed computers and other equipment in a drunken fit at the Sir William’s Hotel on Timog Avenue in Quezon City yesterday.

When police, responding to a call for help from the hotel at around 5 a.m., arrived, Cornley reportedly punched Police Officer 2 Anselmo Lazatin.

Cornley ended up behind bars and could be barred for life from the PBA if the charges against him prove true.

Earlier this month, Petron Blaze import Renaldo Balkman was banned from the PBA for life and fined P250,000 for grabbing the neck of a teammate who tried to prevent him from going after the referees.

Several men had to subdue Cornley, who stands 6 feet 5 inches, and handcuff him. Cornley said in a television interview that he merely shoved Lazatin.

“I had fun with the girls,” Cornley said. “But when I was about to leave and get a taxi, I could not find my money. That was the time I went to the front desk to tell them that I lost my money after these girls left me.” He reportedly paid the girls $100.

Cornley faces charges of alarm and scandal, direct assault against a person in authority, resisting arrest, disrespect to police authorities and malicious mischief, according to Quezon City police director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said they would provide legal assistance to Cornley, a 2012 Governors Cup Best Import awardee.

“We’re helping him as a friend because he’s not under contract with Rain or Shine,” Guiao said. “We want what is only right for him – due process.”

Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., Quezon City police Station 10 commander, said Cornley was drunk when he knocked down Lazatin, who was accompanied by Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Daang.

Lazatin had to be taken to hospital and a brace had to be placed around his neck, according to Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, Quezon City police deputy director for administration.

Pedrozo said Cornley was detained after he refused to be investigated.

“He berated everybody when he was brought to the police station in Kamuning,” Pedrozo said.

Albano wants Cornley to undergo a drug test.

The Quezon City police chief is thinking of providing policemen with stun guns to deal with unruly suspects in similar situations.

In a statement, PBA commissioner Chito Salud said he would come down hard on Cornley if the allegations against him turn out to be true.

“I understand that this is now a police matter where facts will continue to be established,” Salud said.

“Mr. Cornley is not currently associated with the PBA in any manner whatsoever,” Salud emphasized. “Be that as it may, I’d perhaps take the occasion to remind our players that playing in the PBA is imbued with public interest, and they are thus subject to close public scrutiny within the context of higher standards and expectations. If the allegations and charges in this incident are proven to be true, I see Mr. Cornley as having zero chance of playing in the PBA again, at least not under my watch.”