Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
    View Today
    Sun, Nov 5

    Phoenix suspends coach Louie Alas for violating health protocols

    Phoenix suspends coach Louie Alas for violating health protocols
    Sep 1, 2020
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    PHOENIX strictly adheres to the health protocols crafted by the PBA that it doesn’t tolerate anybody in the team.

    Even if it meant suspending its own head coach.

    Veteran mentor Louie Alas was suspended by management for 15 days for what it deemed were violations of league health protocols during the Fuel Masters workout at the Upper Deck gym in Ortigas.

    Alas accepted the decision with a heavy heart, but nonetheless lauded management for its strict observance of league guidelines in an effort to avoid contacting the COVID-19 virus.

    “Disappointed, but happy on the other hand. (Kasi) kahit may 15-day suspension, alam ko na mai-implement ang protocols dito sa team namin, dahil walang pinipili, kahit sinong may violation, may sanction,” said the Phoenix mentor.

    Management cited a total of three violations committed by Alas on the very first day of the Fuel Masters’ workout last week.

    He was called out for having his fingers taped by the team’s physical therapist, for entering the venue in the scheduled time of another batch of players, and for prematurely entering the court while decontamination was still ongoing.

    He has not attended the last two workouts of Phoenix and merely gave instructions to players belonging under his group through text and viber messages.

    His absence in the team workouts has been quite noticeable that SPIN.ph reached out to the 56-year-old coach from Unisan, Quezon to clear the matter.

    ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

    Alas said he wasn’t aware about the violations until it was brought to his attention by management.

    He stressed though, that all of these were unintentional. And proof that it was an honest mistake on his part, Alas was the one who suggested to management that they can fine him.

    “Wala akong idea na nag-violate ako until sinabihan ako ng management,” Alas said. “Unintentional lahat yun, siguro dahil na rin sa excitement ko na finally makaka-balik na kami ulit sa court.”

    “Sa sobrang frustration ko sa sarili ko nung nalaman ko na nag-violate ako (ng protocols), I even told management to fine me.”


    CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
    Watch Now

    The champion coach explained the reasons behind the violations.

    On having his hands taped, Alas said one of his fingers has long been dislocated and was having unbearable pain while assisting his players during the workout.

    “Sobrang sakit na kasi and hindi ko na magawa ng maayos yung trabaho ko lalo na pag nagbibigay ako ng bola,” he said. “So kailangan naka-tape siya talaga.”

    Alas noted his fingers were taped while the players’ were on a break and it was only him and the therapist were around.

    As for entering the court not on his allotted schedule, the Phoenix coach said it was done just before the first batch of players were about to work out.

    “Let me stress dumating kami doon maaga pa,” he said, referring to deputy coaches Topex Robinson and Willy Wilson, along with the team’s physical therapist.

    While still early, Alas thought it would be the right time for him to write on the white board the team’s practice plan, although he did not insist for Robinson and Wilson to be with him.

    ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

    But with his injured finger bothering him, Alas got some assistance from the Phoenix therapist.

    “Unfortunately, nagdatingan na yung mga players. Nag-usap ng pahapyaw pero mabilisan. And we practiced social distancing and wore our masks and face shields,” he said.

    And then there was the issue of the Phoenix coach entering the court while disinfection was ongoing.

    Alas said he and the personnel disinfecting the court were the only ones around.

    The seasoned mentor noticed that windows in the venue were closed and asked the cleaning personnel if it could be opened since it is safer to practice on grounds with open windows and spaces.

    “Tinulungan ko siyang magbukas nung bintana kasi nahihirapan siyang abutin,” said Alas, again noting they practiced social distancing and had their masks and face shields with them.

    The former national team coach insists he’s not justifying his actions, which were borne out of his enduring desire to see the Fuel Masters back on court, and eventually be ready once the PBA restarts its season.

    ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

    “Gusto ko lang naman makita na finally back to practice ang team kahit workout lang siya. At siyempre, makita na makabalik ulit ang PBA. Mabigyan naman natin ng diversion ulit ang mga tao, mabigyan man lang ng sense of normalcy ulit sa gitna nitong pandemya,” said Alas.

    Unfortunately, the waiting days have just gotten longer for the Phoenix coach.

    MORE FROM SPIN
    MORE FROM SPIN

      Spin fans unite at the Spin Viber Community! Join the growing community now and complete the experience by subscribing to the Spin Chatbot.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

      Read Next
      Watch Now
      Sorry, no results found for
      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
    • POLL

      • Quiz

        Quiz Result