Torion suspended indefinitely for shabu

PBA commissioner Noli Eala yesterday suspended Red Bull pointguard Jimwell Torion indefinitely for failing the league’s random drug testing during the Red Bull-Barangay Ginebra last April 13.

The Commissioner’s Office refused to divulge the illegal substance found in Torion’s urine sample but The STAR learned from a reliable source that the Cebuano player tested positive for shabu (methamphetamine).

That could be the reason why Torion drew a stiffer sanction from the league than Asi Taulava and Dorian Peña when the two tested positive for traces of marijuana before the start of the season. The two Fil-Ams were suspended only for two games.

In addition to the suspension, Torion was also asked to undergo a rehabilitation program, and his case will be subject to reevaluation only at the end of the PBA Invitationals at mid-season, according to the league commissioner.

The Red Bull management, meanwhile, announced it was also suspending Torion without pay "until such time that he can prove that he has already overcome his problem."

In a statement, the Red Bull management said: "The Batang Red Bull team management is shocked to learn from the PBA Commissioner’s Office that one of our players, Jimwell Torion, tested positive for drugs. It’s surprising because Torion has displayed exemplary discipline both during practice and actual games since joining our team.

"Torion is a valuable member of our team but our team is taking appropriate action against him because we believe our players should serve as role models to the youth."

The Department of Health informed the PBA yesterday that Torion failed the drug test after the PNP Crime Lab confirmed the result of the initial test conducted on the urine sample of the player.

The Games and Amusements Board is likely to suspend the playing license of Torion the way it did with Taulava and Peña. There are also possible moves from the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency and other government agencies as what happened after the two Fil-Ams flunked the drug test.

People close to Torion suspected the player was tempted to try the banned substance when he met his old friends in Cebu prior to their game versus the Talk N Text Phone Pals last March 29. Curiously, Torion played exceptionally well before a hometown crowd at the Cebu Coliseum, piling up 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.

In the game versus the Kings when he undertook the random drug test, Torion also dished out a splendid game, making 18 points, two rebounds and four assists.

Meanwhile, Shell repulsed FedEx, 80-65, for its second win in its last three games, stalking the fourth-running Barangay Ginebra in Group B in the Samsung PBA All-Filipino Cup eliminations at the Philsport Arena last night.

With the crucial win, the Turbochargers improved to 3-9, only a game behind the Gin Kings who set out for action versus the Coca-Cola Tigers today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo sporting a 4-8 card.

Talk N Text stopped Red Bull’s record-setting run as the Phone Pals nipped the Thunder, 98-96, in overtime in the second game.