PBL reinstates 3 UST cagers

The Philippine Basketball League lifted the suspension on three UST players -- Nino Gelig, Cyrus Baguio and Melchor Latoreno after hearing their appeal yesterday.

PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad made the decision upon the recommendation of the three-man committee composed of PBL deputy commissioner Tommy Ong, Shark team owner Raul Panlilio and PBL Technical Committee chairman Perry Martinez after the three admitted the grave mistake of playing for another amateur commercial league.

"Due to our desire to help our school team in its preparation for the coming UAAP season, we acknowledge the fact that we committed a breach of contract with our respective PBL teams by playing in the inaugural game of Fil-Estate-UST in the NBL," the three explained in the letter.

"Please grant us the understanding and the opportunity to once again play in the PBL, we plead for our reinstatement and offer our sincerest apology for all the problems we might have caused your office and the PBL as a whole," the letter added.

The three, accompanied by UST assistant Physical Education director Ike Deita, likewise vowed not to play in any NBL game or with any other commercial league in strict accordance with the provisions of their respective contracts with their mother PBL ballclubs.