Eala to decide on controversial deal

The PBA board of governors, after a lengthy meeting last night, has allowed commissioner Noli Eala to decide whether the controversial trade involving seven players from three teams should be approved.

The emergency board meeting that was held in the aftermath of the trade among Air21 and sister teams Ginebra and Coca-Cola lasted more than three hours. All teams were represented.

"After hearing their sentiments, the board agreed to let the commissioner decide. They also agreed to abide by my decision," said Eala, adding that the decision will come out in the next few days.

The trade drew some protests from a couple of ballclubs which claimed that it benefited Ginebra the most, in that it acquired marquee players like Billy Mamaril and Raffy Reavis from Coca-Cola, and through Air21.

Under PBA rules, sister teams are not allowed to make direct trades, explaining the presence of Air21 which acted as conduit and at the same time got Aries Dimaunahan and Ervin Sotto from Ginebra. — Abac Cordero