Tanduay mum on PBA fines

Tanduay only hopes to rebound from a losing debut while Pop Cola and Red Bull clash for the early solo lead in the PBA Governors Cup but the Lucio Tan ballclub is still likely to seize the spotlight as it faces possible suspension or expulsion from the league for non-payment of long overdue fines totalling P9.5 million.

Tanduay team manager David de Joya is mum on the issue, saying he has yet to discuss the matter with team owner Bong Tan who’s busy with his other business interests.

De Joya said he himself has just returned from a business trip abroad and has yet to act on the letter sent by PBA board treasurer Alberto Villa Abrille which reportedly stated the sanction that may be imposed on them if they continue to resist paying the fines they incurred on cases involving Fil-Ams.

Tanduay drew a fine of P2.5 million for dragging the PBA into a legal battle on the Sonny Alvarado case. The team then incurred a P7 million fine for fielding two Fil-Am players – Eric Menk and Rudy Hatfield – who were not able to prove their Filipino citizenship on the July 31 deadline.

Shell Velocity was fined P3.5 million for Chris Jackson but the team has paid it.

"Hindi pa namin naaasikaso dahil pareho-parehong busy," said De Joya.

Some members of the PBA board feel Tanduay officials are losing interest in maintaining the PBA team with main man Menk having a hard time resolving his citizenship problem. Apparently, the officials have given up hopes Menk will get his Department of Justice citizenship confirmation.

With Menk just cheering on the bench, the Rhum Masters suffered a 90-94 loss to the Red Bull Thunder in their first outing in the tournament Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Rhum Masters return to action tonight versus the Alaska Aces in the 7:30 p.m. mainer at the Philsports Arena. Pop Cola and Red Bull mix it up at 5:15 p.m. with both seeking a second straight win.