MONTALBAN – San Miguel management has filed a complaint before the PBA regarding the case of import Justin Patton, who went AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) prior to the team’s Commissioner’s Cup outing against Magnolia.
Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed receiving the letter from SMC seeking possible sanctions on the former first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls.
While Marcial said the case is more of an internal matter, the league nonetheless can help the Beermen by elevating the issue to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
No clearance for Patton?
As the country’s governing body for basketball, the SBP can red flag the 7-foot Patton before FIBA and keep him from being issued with a Letter of Clearance once he applies to play in another league.
The LoC serves as document for imports transferring between countries and leagues, certifying they are free from any contractual obligations with their previous teams and the corresponding national federation.
San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla told Spin.ph on Friday that Patton has yet to reach out to the organization almost a week since abandoning the Beermen in their game against the Hotshots, which they lost, 120-101.
“Wala pa rin siyang communication up until now,” said Abanilla. “So hinihintay ko lang.”
READ SMB vows action vs Justin Patton for 'unprofessional behavior'
San Miguel has since flown in old hand Bennie Boatwright to take the place of Patton heading to the team’s game against NLEX this Sunday.
Marcial said he can summon Patton once the SBP has already acted on the San Miguel complaint and explain to him the consequences of his action not only in the PBA but in other pro leagues overseas.
“Sa tagal niya nang naglalaro dapat alam niya na yun. So dapat paalalahanan siya na hindi maganda para sa kanya yun kung gusto niya pa uling maglaro dito o sa iba pang liga,” said Marcial.
San Miguel was caught by surprise when Patton didn’t show up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the Beermen’s crucial outing against the Hotshots.
The import ignored the team driver when he went over to Patton’s place to fetch him two hours before the Magnolia game.
Days before, the 28-year-old native of Omaha, Nebraska complained about a foot injury and a bum stomach that made him miss the team’s practices.
He never showed up in the team facility despite assusrances that the San Miguel PTs will treat his injury.
The sudden turnaround of Patton came a day after the Beermen lost to league leader Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 116-112, where he finished with 12 points, 17 rebounds, two steals, but with five turnovers while playing in foul trouble.
Abanilla referred to Patton’s actions as ‘very unprofessional.’
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
