Barrios firm on Texters fine

MANILA, Philippines - PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios stood firm on his decision to sanction Talk n Text with a fine of P1.25 million for its walkout, saying it’s not excessive contrary to the claim of the Smart-PLDT ball club.

“In the light of history of fines, we didn’t view it as excessive,” said Barrios in answer to one of the points raised by Talk n Text in a letter Friday.

“With regards officiating, we admitted there were games where the performance of the referees was below par even in our own assessment. But it didn’t give undue disadvantage to Talk n Text alone. It was not biased and unfair to Talk n Text alone,” Barrios also said.

The league commissioner said the PBA board has a plan to update penalty on walkout in the aftermath of the incident that happened in Game Four of the Talk n Text-Ginebra quarterfinals showdown.

“Half-a-million-peso fine for a walkout is a 20-year-old amount,” said Barrios.

Meanwhile, Barako Bull waived its rights on Alex Crisano and Adonis Sta. Maria as it started its preparation for the Fiesta Conference Tuesday.

Barako Bull board representative Raffy Casyao said they’re back in training as they intend to continue their participation in the pro league.

“If we’re leaving, the Commissioner’s Office will be the first to know,” said Casyao, denying news report (not in The STAR) that the ball club is being bought by Meralco.

Smart-PLDT top official Ricky Vargas also denied the news, saying it can’t be done even if Meralco wants it.

Vargas pointed out PLDT owns only 30 percent of Meralco which is a publicly listed company.