Douthit suits up for Air21 as import

MANILA, Philippines - Unless the two parties don’t reach a contractual agreement, Air21 (formerly Shopinas.com) will be having Smart Gilas naturalized player Marcus Douthit as its import for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup beginning Feb. 10.

All other PBA ball clubs opted to step aside and yield the signing rights on Douthit to the Express.

“After due deliberation with the board taking note that the nine other teams have already contracted and engaged their respective imports, the board has decided to allow Air21 to negotiate and engage the services of Douthit,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

“If they don’t come to terms, Douthit will not be allowed to play in the conference for any other team,” Salud added.

The league commissioner said the board made this decision “due to the lateness of the hour.”

“Everybody else is happy with their imports, and Air21 is the only team that hasn’t found an import,” said Salud.

The Express have had an agreement with Malcolm Thomas but the Lina Group team lost the player when the NBA “player lockout” was resolved. 

The San Antonio Spurs signed up Thomas.

Air21 governor Sheila Lina said they would contact Douthit the soonest possible time.

 Douthit, who’s currently playing in the Chinese league, has informed the PBA Commissioner’s Office that he would be available for the PBA by Feb. 18.

Salud said they would adjust their schedule to give Air21 more leeway.

“Things have fallen to place. Air21 has got a crack at Douthit who wants to play and stay in shape for the next international competition of Smart Gilas,” said Salud.

Meanwhile, Salud meted Talk n Text forward Ranidel de Ocampo a fine of P20,000 for an infraction in Game Two upgraded to “flagrant foul penalty 2” upon review of the game tape.

“The commissioner is given the freedom to adjust the penalty. In my view, that contact merits a fine of P20,000 and that sufficed,” said Salud in answer to question why De Ocampo was spared of suspension.

Sean Anthony sustained a cut on right eyebrow that needed 10 stitches to close as he was hit by an elbow by De Ocampo early in the fourth quarter Monday.