MPBL's Bacolod suspended for rest of season amid suspected 'game manipulation'

MANILA, Philippines -- After a controversial, eyebrow-rising game, the Bacolod Masskara kissed their season goodbye after being suspend by the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on Thursday. 

This, as Bacolod's players and coaches were slapped with bans “in light of recent allegations concerning potential game-manipulation.” 

Bacolod was embroiled in controversy after a puzzling performance earlier this week against the Bulacan Kuyas. 

In the game, Bacolod did not score in the final seven minutes and 48 seconds. The squad lost, 100-64. 

Videos of the game made their rounds on social media, wherein broadcast commentator Cedelf Tupas was visibly irate with how the game ended, as the team seemingly passed up on opportunities to score. 

In a statement posted on Facebook Thursday, the MPBL said that it has issued red cards to the involved players and coaches of Bacolod Masskara. 

“The MPBL reiterates its unyielding commitment to preserving the integrity, fairness and credibility of the sport,” the league said in a statement. 

“All individuals served with red cards are permanently banned from the league. The league is also announcing that the franchise’s participation for the remainder of the season has been cancelled,” it added. 

The MPBL said that the measures are preventive and administrative, as it carries on with the investigation alongside government agencies. 

“This is not the first time that the team concerned has been warned of its actions as previous incidents were also flagged by the Office of the Commissioner,” it said. 

“In fact, some members of the team have been issued yellow cards earlier in the season.” 

Prior to the suspension, Bacolod was holding a 3-19 win-loss record. 

After a win to start the season, the squad just went on a freefall. 

The team lost multiple games via huge margins – 108-77 against General Santos; 99-52 against Caloocan; 113-61 against Quezon; 128-85 against San Juan; 111-78 against Batangas; 107-72 against Rizal; 113-62 against Bataan; 100-74 against Pasay; 117-80 against Zamboanga; 97-67 against Cebu; and 129-45 against Abra. 

“The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball. Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners and the public,” the statement said. 

“The MPBL deeply regrets that the spirit of the game and the trust of our community have been tested by these events. We vow to the public, our fans and the entire basketball community that we will remain relentless and uncompromising in eradicating game manipulation from Philippine basketball,” it added. 

“The integrity of the game will always come first.”