Eala slams BAP on Jinggoy ouster

The pro league issued a strong statement yesterday, condemning the Basketball Association of the Philippines in its move to oust its president, allegedly a ploy to disrupt efforts to unify Philippine basketball.

"We condemn this move as doublespeak and regret that such action was taken by the BAP. We will never support this undertaking and we’ll continue to support the unification effort initiated in Tokyo," said PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

"As far as the act of BAP is concerned, I think this is the height of unpatriotism. It is deceitful and most of all it is dishonorable. I was there in Tokyo and I personally witnessed (BAP official) Fritz Gaston typed what was dictated by (then BAP president) Joey Lina. Graham Lim brought the communique around to be signed by parties concerned," Eala also said.

Eala made the statement in reaction to the BAP action ousting Sen. Jinggoy Estrada as its president following his agreement with business tycoon Manny Pangilinan with regards to the creation of a unified basketball body.

Also saying "diplomacy is over," Eala put all the blame in this mess on BAP secretary general Graham Lim.

"Graham Lim should explain all of these to the Filipino people. He must explain should the Philippines once again fail to compete in the Fiba-Asia championship," Eala said.

"In making their resolutions, they always say that it’s the decision of the BAP majority. But it’s only Graham," Eala added.

The PBA commissioner said stakeholders in the sport would come in full force in a press conference tomorrow to underscore their desire to unify Philippine basketball.

"We hope efforts to unify continue," Eala said.

"We’ll never support the devious scheme that’s now being undertaken by Graham Lim and his assistants. We’ll support the unification effort," Eala stressed.