Limpot rarin’ to suit up anew

Kept off the court since June because of a drug-related controversy, Jun Limpot of Ginebra is so thrilled, happy and excited that he’ll be back in action sooner than he had expected.

"This is a welcome development," said the gentle 6-foot-5 forward yesterday upon learning that commissioner Noli Eala is all set to lift the suspension that would allow the 1993 top rookie to suit up against Purefoods in Lipa City on Saturday.

"Matagal-tagal na din ako hindi nakalaro. Baka mag-struggle sa first games pero in shape din naman ako on my own," added the pride of Surigao who was among eight players suspended by the PBA for failing the drug tests that started three months ago.

Most of the players contested the results. A couple of them, including Limpot, even threatened to bring their case to court as they questioned the way the tests were conducted and the way its results were handled and made open to the public.

The others who failed the drug tests were Jimwell Torion and Davon Harp of Red Bull, Noli Locsin, Angelo David and Norman Gonzales of Talk N Text, Ryan Bernardo of FedEx and Alex Crisano, another player from Ginebra.

Those who’ve been reinstated after complying with the league requirements such as rehabilitation or medical counselling were Torion, Harp, Locsin, Crisano. With Limpot all set to be reinstated, the others are definitely expected to follow.

"Welcome development talaga pero wala pang formal communication from the commissioner’s office," said Limpot, adding that he learned of the news only yesterday afternoon after being contacted by reporters. — Abac