BARAKO Bull coach Junel Baculi on Wednesday blasted the "spotty officiating" during their playoff loss to Powerade but stopped short of supporting his player Don Allado's allegation that PBA games are fixed.
"I haven't read it but if that's true, medyo mabigat na paratang 'yon," Baculi told SPIN.ph. "[The officiating] was spotty and a lot of errors were committed by the refs. Maybe it cost us the game, maybe not, i don't know.
"When it comes to Allado's statement, I heard it was serious. Mahirap i-understand 'yon. Personally I'm not someone who malign people, entities or organizations so if you ask me about it, I won't support what he said. What I'll support was the [complaint over] the errors of the refs."
Allado, Baculi's 13-year veteran out of La Salle, had triggered controversy with a tweet saying: " "I'm the guy that says what others can't. #PBA games are fixed. They control who is in & who is out. It's a disgrace to be in this league."
Contacted by SPIN.ph by phone on Wednesday afternoon, Allado refused comment but made no effort to deny that the series of tweets were his.
Asked if he is standing by his comments, Allado said: "Sorry but no comment...I don't have anything to say."
The 6-6 slotman confirmed that he will appear before Commissioner Chito Salud on Thursday and top basketball personalities were quick to weigh in, saying Allado better have proof to back up his words for the game-fixing allegation to stand.
Former player Vince Hizon said on Twitter: “Is Don Allado angry, stupid, or correct with his statements abt the PBA’s very credibility in fair games? Does he have evidence? He better!”
Noli Eala, former league commissioner and current director of sports at San Miguel Corporation had a similar take, tweeting: “That’s pretty strong, sweeping generalization. Might be unfair if without proof.”
Allado has also received support for his bold stand, with Twitter follower @popoymasaya saying: "“Matagal ng nangyayari to. Salamat Don, kala namin walang PBA player na magsasalita. You are one brave guy.”
Fellow pro player Paolo Bugia, a former Ateneo stalwart, had some words of advice for the former La Salle mainstay: “@alotofDON Stop tweeting. You are either drunk, or drunk. Now go to sleep and regret tom.”
Rob Reyes of Petron had a more succinct reaction: “Damn son @alotofDON not one to hold it in!!”
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