Gonzales is cleared of drug rap

Talk n Text forward Norman Gonzales became the sixth player reinstated yesterday after serving suspension for alleged illegal drug use, leaving only two players in the freezer for the same offense.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala lifted Gonzales’ suspension as the player presented documents stating he has undergone detoxification and therapy.

Gonzales earlier contested the result of his test, maintaining he has never taken illegal drugs in his life.

He even sought a temporary restraining order in a regional trial court in Angeles City in Pampanga to stop Eala from effecting his suspension. The former San Beda player also filed a lawsuit against Eala and the league.

But the court denied his plea for a temporary restraining order. The player later withdrew the case.

"The papers submitted by Gonzales’ doctor, plus the appeal previously made by his team, made it easier for us to lift the suspension," Eala said,

"It is our sincere hope that Gonzales would now put this sad chapter in his life behind him," Eala added.

"This is a good development. Mas maganda dahil intact na uli kami," said interim Talk n Text coach Virgil Villavicencio.

But Villavicencio said he will not yet use Gonzales in their game against Alaska Milk today in an Air Philippines-sponsored sortie in Urdaneta, Pangasinan with the team informed of the reinstatement only late yesterday. Gonzales was left in Manila. — Nelson Beltran