Hotshots suspend Maliksi indefinitely

MANILA, Philippines -- Star forward Allein Maliksi was suspended indefinitely following his rant at the popular social media platform Instagram on Tuesday over his diminished playing time in the Hotshots’ first two games this season.

“Na-suspend indefinitely si Allein. Siya ang nagsabi sa akin,” player agent Danny Espiritu told Philstar.com on Wednesday.

Espiritu handles the PBA career of the high-leaping Star forward.

“Nag-sorry naman siya (Maliksi), at ang sabi ko lang, ‘you just need to humble yourself dahil nag-start sa iyo yun eh,” he added.

The 6-foot-3 Maliksi’s suspension stemmed from an intriguing post at his Instagram account @alleinmaliksi, showing a collage of images with messages centering on “a desire to be happy.”

Star fans, who followed the former PBA D-League Most Valuable Player, felt Maliksi’s post was an indication that he’s no longer happy to play for the team after averaging a career-low 6.5 minutes in the Hotshots’ first two games this season.

Espiritu said Maliksi should not have done that in the first place, but now, his ward will just have to face the consequences of his action.

“Ang sabi lang sa kanya ni coach Jason (Webb), ‘I will just give you a call. Which means, kung kelan niya gusto, saka siya (Maliksi), pababalikin sa team,” he added.

The suspension immediately took effect on Wednesday.