Alaska releases Hawkins

Eight days to go before the opening of the PBA 2001 season and Alaska Milk continued to overhaul its lineup, releasing Bong Hawkins to Tanduay Rhum in exchange for a future draft pick.

The Uytengsu franchise let go of Hawkins after trading earlier two other ace players in Johnny Abarrientos and Poch Juinio to Pop Cola for Ali Peek and Jon Ordonio.

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo said they wanted to keep Hawkins in their lineup but decided to let him go because of the salary cap restrictions.

With the team matching Mobiline’s P48-million offer sheet to Kenneth Duremdes Thursday, Trillo said they were left with no other choice but to release Hawkins to give him a chance to get a better contract.

Alaska had offered Hawkins an P18-million deal for three years but Hawkins declined. In the present setup, Trillo said they can’t even offer the player P3 million this year.

"Earlier, we thought of offering him P300,000 a month. But when I reviewed our payroll, I found out that we can’t even afford to give him P250,000. Hindi na namin inalok sa kanya iyon at baka mainsulto lang siya," said Trillo. "We hope he can get what he wants with Tanduay."

In giving up Hawkins, Alaska will get either Tanduay’s first round draft pick in 2002 or 2003 in return. Tanduay has the right to make the choice.

With Hawkins gone, Trillo said they are likely to give Kevin Ramas a contract renewal while signing up free agent Eric Reyes. — Nelson Beltran