"There’s nothing I can do. I have to accept it," said the 6-foot-6 slotman, trying to hide the bitterness of missing the PBA draft where he was expected to emerge as the top pick. "Masakit dahil lahat ng effort na binuhos ko para makapasok ako sa PBA nawala sa huling minuto."
Adducul was just three days away from what was supposed to be a more established, illustrious and rewarding career in the PBA when he was denied his release papers by LBC Batangas — a must for MBA players trying to join the PBA this year.
Adducul and his manager Ed Ponceja claimed that they already had a "verbal" agreement with team officials regarding his release papers although MBA chairman and LBC Batangas team owner Santi Araneta said there was none, and that he was surprised to have read it in the newspapers.
Adducul, eyed by PBA newcomer FedEx as the top pick in this year’s draft, still has two years left with his contract with LBC Batangas worth P525,000 a month — three-fourths of which is being shouldered by ABS-CBN. Ironically, FedEx is LBC’s chief rival in the courier delivery business.
"We thought and we expected that everything was okay regarding Romel’s release papers from LBC Batangas. But Romel is taking everything professionally and that he will carry on with his duties with his team in the MBA," said Ponceja, adding that they would work out for a restructuring of the contract.
"Maybe we could shorten it to just one year so Romel can join the PBA next year or we can insert a certain clause that any delay in his salary would mean automatic release. Kaya nga siya lumilipat is because he is no longer sure about the stability of the MBA," said Ponceja.
Ponceja said he would soon meet with top MBA officials regarding his ward’s existing contract, especially now that ABS-CBN is reportedly parting ways with the MBA. "Kailangan linawin para kung may maging problema, alam namin kung sino ang hahabulin namin," he said.
Meanwhile, MBA director for business and development Ramon Tuason said Adducul has the right to ask for a restructuring of his contract when the league meets with him next week although he said it’s still Araneta who will have the last say on the matter.
"He may request for anything he wants when we meet with him next week because anything is possible," said Tuason after a brief meeting yesterday with Araneta. "But what Adducul wants, he may not necessarily get because it might not meet the objectives of LBC Batangas," he added. – With report from Joey Villar