ISMAEL Romero Fernandez can't get into the roster of imports in the coming PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup without a word with the commissioner.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said he will have a talk with the controversial import once the Meralco Bolts confirm him as their import for the mid-season conference, which has no height restrictions for foreign reinforcements.
READ Meralco confirms Ismael Romero is Nenad's choice for PBA import
"Kakausapin ko once it's official na s'ya na ang import ng Meralco," Marcial told SPIN.ph on Thursday, a day after coach Luigi Trillo confirmed the team's plans to bring the 6-9 Cuban-Puerto Rican from its EASL roster to the PBA.
Amid growing calls for sanctions on Romero led by PBA coaches Yeng Guiao and Tim Cone, the commissioner said any further actions by the pro league will be based on his talk with the controversial import.
Meralco's plans immediately raised a red flag since the hulking Romero figured in a controversy while playing for a Libyan team in Dubai, where he attacked Filipino player Nick Demusis of the Zamboanga Valientes after a collision.
Romero has yet to issue a statement since the January 28 incident and he declined interview requests by SPIN.ph after the Bolts' 88-79 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings that ousted the Philippine representative from the EASL playoff race.
He also hasn't issued an apology.
Still, that has not deterred Meralco from bringing him over to the PBA. Trillo confirmed on Wednesday night that Romero is active consultant Nenad Vucinic's choice of import for the Commissioner's Cup despite the Dubai controversy hanging over his head.
However, Trillo also recognized that Romero needs to address the matter, saying "I'm sure he should show some remorse. I think ang pinakamaganda run ay makipag-ayos siya, meet the person personally, say sorry, and if he needs to man up to that, I think that will make him a better person."
Already, Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Atty Francisco Rivera told SPIN.ph the government's licensing agency for pro sports has already started a probe into the Dubai incident and is only waiting for a complaint.
Rivera said the government agency won't hesitate to act based on its findings.
“All our professional athletes are bound by the code of ethics, one of the provisions of which is for them to respect their fellow players. And respect could mean not to inflict physical injuries on your fellow player,” said the soft-spoken GAB chief.
“If this is proven that there is an infraction, then we can discipline the players and disciplining the players could mean suspension or if the offense is grave enough - revocation of license,” he added.
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