CONVERGE reserve guard Mac Tallo was hit with a P100,000 fine on Monday by the PBA Commissioner's Office for playing in the Sinulog Cup mini-tournament back home in Cebu without his team and the league's permission.
Appearing before Commissioner Willie Marcial at the PBA office, the six-foot guard out of Southwestern University admitted he played in not one but five games in the tournament where he was later adjudged MVP.
COLUMN: Why Converge went hard on Tallo for 'ligang labas'
The commissioner said he has set a fixed penalty of P50,000 per one unsanctioned game played to serve as a deterrent, but lessened the fine in the case of the Converge guard since he's a first-time offender.
Asked what compelled him to play in the Cebu games at the risk of being punished, Tallo told the commissioner he mistakenly thought that his unrestricted free agency status would allow him to do so.
"Humingi ng sorry," said Marcial, who warned the player that a repeat offense would merit a huge fine and a suspension.
However, Marcial said the threat of Converge management to terminate Tallo's two-year deal because of breach of contract will be decided separately if the ballclub decides to pursue it.
READ After Tallo, it's Chris Lalata who faces 'ligang labas' accusations
Marcial said he has summoned another player, Chris Lalata, after it was reported that he played in an unsanctioned tournament game in Mindoro.
The Phoenix Super LPG forward will appear before the commissioner on Wednesday.
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