Nuyles, Mahindra settle contract row

MANILA, Philippines -- All’s well that ends well.

Third-year swingman Alex Nuyles and Mahindra came to terms Monday night, allowing the shifty slasher to play for the Enforcers in the 2016 PBA season which opens on October 18.

“It was just a case of miscommunication and I sincerely apologize to the management of Mahindra for expressing doubts that they will not honor the contract renewal I signed with Kia,” Nuyles said in a press statement.

“In this light, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to Mahindra for giving me this opportunity to play for their team in the forthcoming 2015-2016 PBA season.”

Nuyles drew attention to his case in recent days after he turned to social media to announce his contract row with the Mahindra basketball team. Without a signed contract in his possession, he thought management was reneging on its commitment.

Commissioner Chito Narvasa, who was in China at that time to lend moral support to Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia joust, was aware of the problem and had his executive assistant Pita Dobles, who also heads the Players Affairs Office, call on the parties involved to shed more light on the matter.

Having done that, the case was settled quickly, with both camps reaching an agreement on the night of Narvasa’s arrival.

The Players’ Affairs Office was created to handle all players’ concerns outside of basketball.

“I’d like to thank Commissioner Narvasa and his Office for the concern and the valuable help they extended to us,” said Nuyles’ agent Ed Ponceja. “We’re just glad this is over so Alex can fully concentrate on preparing for the coming season.”