Peña gets juicy deal after drug suspension

Dorian Peña, though missing nearly half of the season last year on suspension for alleged illegal drug use, has been assured by San Miguel Beer of a new multi-million contract for at least two years.

If Peña settles for a two-year pact, the Fil-Am behemoth will receive roughly P6 million, exclusive of bonuses and other incentives.

This was revealed by San Miguel team manager Robert Non, who added they had decided to sign up Boybits Victoria to a six-month contract subject to renewal upon its expiration. The two parties formalize the deal Monday.

At the same time, Non said they have closed a deal with import Art Long. The former Seattle SuperSonic and Toronto Raptor in the NBA will arrive in the country on Feb. 5.

Long suited up with the Beermen in the 2002 Second Conference, averaging 14.4 points and 9.3 rebounds in eight outings. He drew a stiff fine from the Commissioner’s Office then when he and Red Bull import Tony Lang engaged in a fight that nearly escalated into a full-blown riot among the Beermen and the Thunder.

The 6-foot-6 Peña is still on vacation with his family in the United States. He said he’ll try to make it here by tomorrow to join his teammates in a team-building session in Laguna Sunday.

"We have prepared a token offer for one year for Dorian but if he asks for a longer deal, it’s okay with us. Mas maganda na rin siguro sa kanya kung two to three years, at least may security siya," said San Miguel coach Jong Uichico.

Uichico said they’re giving Pena a slight increase from his previous pay in response to the player’s solid performance last year notwithstanding his alleged violation of the league’s rules on illegal drugs.

Incidentally, Peña, 26, was one of only four players who averaged in double figures in both scoring and rebounding last campaign. He was No. 2 in the league in rebounding with 12.5 a game and No. 4 in the team in scoring with 12.2 a contest.

Including imports, Peña finished No. 6 in the rebounding ladder behind only Lenard Cooke (17.1), Rossel Ellis (16.6), Damien Cantrell (15.7), Asi Taulava (13.7) and Tim McClary (12.7).

The other locals who averaged in double figures in scoring and rebounding were Taulava (23.4 points and 13.7 rebounds), Eric Menk (18.8 points and 11.8 rebounds) and Rudy Hatfield (10.7 points and 13.7 rebounds).

After suspension for alleged illegal drug use, Peña played only in 32 of San Miguel’s 50 games.