THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is studying the possibility of appealing the Fiba’s decision to sanction 10 Gilas Pilipinas players and two coaches.
In a statement, the SBP said it is accepting the decision of Fiba to suspend Gilas players ranging from one to six games of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifier.
Following that process, the SBP said it will meet with the executive committee on whether to make an appeal on the decision. SBP president Al Panlilio also reiterated during the press conference it will be studying the Fiba decision which is contained in a 13-page document.
“SBP accepts the Disciplinary Panel’s decision, and extends its appreciation to the Panel for its work. The decision is a lengthy document. The SBP is in the process of carefully reviewing it. The Executive Committee will be convened soon to determine if it will avail of the appeals procedure under the Decision,” said the SBP in the statement.
The SBP along with Gilas Pilipinas reiterated their apology to the basketball community for the incident that occurred in the Philippine Arena.
“The SBP will take steps to develop contingencies for the Philippines’ participation in future Fiba-sanctioned tournaments.”
“Once again, SBP, together with the Gilas National Basketball Team—apologize to our countrymen and to the basketball community-at-large for our conduct in the incident. We reaffirm the principle of no violence of any form on the basketball court, or off it.
"We appreciate that the game of basketball is of such importance in the hearts of every Filipino and, in that light, we wish to assure our countrymen—and Fiba—that we will work to raise our hosting standards to a higher level, as befits the traditional hospitality accorded to guests by our people,” added the SBP.
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