CHICAGO - Their patience stretched to its limit, the Converge FiberXers have reached a breaking point.
A day after guard Schonny Winston allegedly "refused to play" for the team for the third straight game in the ongoing Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City, Converge is bringing down the hammer.
READ Fuming Pineda warns of lawsuit as Winston sits out Davao game
According to league sources, the Dennis Uy-owned franchise is laying the groundwork to impose an indefinite suspension without pay against Winston to take effect as soon as Monday, August 25.
Winston's refusal to play despite being cleared by team doctors as soon as he arrived from the US is considered, as a general rule, to be 'conduct detrimental to the team' which falls under the purview of insubordination.
LOST WAGES.
Once the suspension is enforced, Winston stands to lose the prorated daily rate of his monthly salary. Which means, if he is receiving a base pay of, say P300,000 a month, he will forfeit P10,000 a day while under suspension.
And with his contract set to expire on September 17, Winston's total income loss could reach P230,000.
But just like at any workplace, the 6-foot-4, 190-lb guard has several legal remedies.
According to Mickey Ingles, the renowned sports law attorney, "Winston can appeal (his potential suspension) to the PBA itself. He can also bring the case to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)."
Following the exit of Converge from the Philippine Cup conference last June when Schonny left for the US without a signed contract renewal, the team-player relationship had begun to manifest signs of discord.
BAD VIBES.
Winston had allegedly asked to delay his return to Manila so that he can work with his American doctors in the goal of getting 100 percent healthy.
Converge responded with a gentle reminder that they have capable doctors out there. In the end, the threat of a daily fine of roughly $158 a day hastened the former La Salle's star's flight back to rejoin his team.
But Winston's non-participation in Davao is the critical turning point that could ultimately lead to the painful but necessary cutting of ties.
Per my sources, at least two lower-tier teams have approached the FiberXers to discuss trade options. Once disinterested about swap talks involving one of their prized assets, Converge is now an eager, enthusiastic listener.
With subtle threats quickly escalating into punitive action, this one is about to get really ugly especially if Converge makes good on the promise to also sue Winston for breach of contract.
While it's easier to root for love, peace and hope, the Winston saga has so splendidly induced animosity in a way where divorce is almost unavoidable.
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