Mikey skips practice, draws suspension

MANILA, Philippines — TNT is ready to wage battle even without ace gunner Mikey Williams as the team puts premium on discipline and professionalism.

Tropang Giga management has suspended Williams after his unexplained absence in the TNT’s practice last Saturday, which team manager Jojo Lastimosa said was the latest in a series of infractions.

“Management decided to suspend him – one week without pay. It’s already a multiple infraction. Yung absences niya, without any reason, without any information on what’s going on,” said Lastimosa.

With the sanction, Williams sat it out last Sunday, when the Tropang Giga (3-4) sustained a second straight loss via a 91-88 defeat to Phoenix.

The former Rookie of the Year will continue to be a non-participant in TNT’s next assignment against Terrafirma on Nov. 5.

“He’s going to miss our next game on Saturday. He can’t practice, he can’t show himself,” said Lastimosa, who warned of stiffer penalties for a similar act.

“Next time it won’t be as nice. It’s not going to be one week anymore...There’s no sacred cow in our team.”

TNT coach Chot Reyes said the squad is focused on the task at hand amid the Williams situation.

“We don’t dwell on those things. We only worry about people who are here. Those who aren’t, there’s nothing we can do about it,” he said.