Eala wants Fil-shams fined

The old Philippine Basketball Association policy imposed on the "Sonny Alvarado case" may be reintroduced by the league as Asi Taulava and four other supposed Fil-foreign players face imminent deportation proceedings.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala said he would recommend this to the PBA board of governors in its meeting tomorrow at the PBA office inside the Ultra complex in Pasig.

It means teams who still allow Fil-foreigners with questionable citizenships to play in the PBA may have to assume the risk of paying the fines if their players are eventually deported. It is like asking the teams to put money where their mouth is.

Eala is also considering an addendum to the old policy. He wants the erring players to be fined, too.

"Why only the teams? Dapat pati ang player kasali sa parusa if he’s proven to be Fil-sham. This rule would have everybody on the ball," said Eala.

Under this rule, Taulava, Rudy Hatfield, Jon Ordonio, Andy Seigle and Davonn Harp would be allowed to continue playing despite the Senate findings. However, if they are later be proved to be Fil-shams, these players and their teams will pay the price.

Under the old rule, teams were fined P.5 million for each game played by the Fil-shams. Tanduay accumulated a heavy fine in the case of Alvarado.

Eala said counting of the games would start as soon as a case is finally filed against Taulava and Co.

Meanwhile, Novi Sad-Yugoslavia finally earned its first win, at the expense of Yonsei, 100-88.

Alaska Milk advanced to the Samsung Invitational Cup semifinals as it routed San Miguel Beer, 87-72, last night at the Astrodome.