PBL refs case goes to SBP?

PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad yesterday said there are plans to elevate the case involving the near pullout of the PBL referees from the NCAA finals to the ethics committee of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“Although it involves our referees, we will have to wait for the official report from the NCAA before we do anything,” said Trinidad. “We’ll see what action the NCAA will take and then we’ll act.”

Trinidad threatened to withdraw PBL referees from the deciding Game Three between San Beda and Jose Rizal U after a cage official, reportedly SBP executive director and former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, called his attention, decrying the officiating, particularly in the fourth quarter of Game Two won by the Bombers.

Eala, however, denied having called the PBL chief.

“This is about respect and protecting the integrity of not just our referees but the PBL itself,” said Trinidad.

The PBL changed its stand at the last minute and allowed its referees and technical officials to work on the final game of the NCAA season.

“I heard the NCAA is still waiting for coach Joe Lipa’s official statement because he’s still out-of-town,” Trinidad said.

Cecilio Pedro, a former PBL chair who owns the Hapee Toothpaste Complete Protectors, chairs the SBP ethics committee.

“I will not act alone because this not just about the PBL and NCAA, it’s all about protecting the integrity of Philippine basketball,” he said.  – Joey Villar