IT'S a classic he said-she said issue, yet another side has apparently wasted no time drawing its own conclusions.
SPIN.ph sources bared that the Office of the Commissioner has sent a lengthy memorandum addressed to Adamson coach Nash Racela in the fallout of his spat with La Salle center Mike Phillips.
READ This is what got Racela's motor overheated in testy Adamson-La Salle tiff
That's without the UAAP even issuing summons to hear Racela and Phillips' sides in what transpired during Adamson's 61-60 win over La Salle last Wednesday.
Racela blew his gasket for, what he heard, Phillips telling him, "Tumahimik ka muna, coach," late in the third quarter when the officials were reviewing Manu Anabo's foul on Vhoris Marasigan.
Phillips quickly denied the allegations.
This, apparently, was enough for the Commissioner's Office to slam the gavel and reprimand the Soaring Falcons mentor - all without being given a chance to air his side -- and in the process, side with the Green Archers captain.
Although it's understandable that the burden of proof lies in the accuser, isn't it a bit premature to hand down letters without even engaging an audience?
It's anybody's guess at this point whether it was Phillips, a fluent Tagalog speaker at that, getting lost in translation or Racela overhearing it from someone else.
But there's something that tells us we won't hear the last of this. - SPIN.ph staff
Rain or Shine, Converge in EASL? It's about time
RAIN or Shine or Converge taking its act to the EASL?
SPIN.ph sources said both the Elasto Painters and FiberXers are more than willing to represent the PBA to the regional tournament featuring champion teams of different pro leagues around Asia if given the chance.
"Rain or Shine and Converge expressed their interest to play in the EASL," said one of the sources privy to the plans of the two independent PBA teams.
For Season 3 of the Home and Away tournament, Meralco is the lone PBA representative as TNT and San Miguel reportedly decided not to play.
The Bolts have represented Asia's first ever play-for-pay league to the EASL for the past three years including the time when they reigned as Philippine Cup champions.
Initially, the EASL required champion or runner up teams from their respective leagues to see action in the five-month long tournament that adopted the home-and-away format for the past three seasons.
But lately as the league expands to include other Asian ballclubs, it appears the EASL has softened its stand and began to accept teams that are competitive enough, but not necessarily champion clubs, thus the inclusion of Hong Kong Eastern and Macau Black Bears this season.
Will that pave way for Rain or Shine and Converge finally playing in the EASL by next season? - Gerry Ramos
Rebuilding in order for Creamline
CREAMLINE's first true rebuilding year may usher in some drastic changes.
SPIN.ph has learned that several Cool Smashers are poised to either leave or even retire by year’s end, while the status of the coaching staff remains uncertain as the 10-time PVL champions navigate unfamiliar territory.
Multiple contracts are set to expire, prompting some key players to explore opportunities elsewhere — either after not receiving extension offers or choosing not to seek them.
Among them is second setter Rhea Dimaculangan-Villarete. She signed with Creamline last April on a deal that runs only until the end of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League in December.
When approached by SPIN.ph after Creamline’s stunning Reinforced Conference exit, Villarete merely flashed a cheeky grin and said, “Ayoko muna pag-usapan.”
Head coach Sherwin Meneses has also come under fire from fans following the collapse of Creamline’s unprecedented eight-year, 19-tournament semifinals and podium streak, with fans pointing to his in-game decisions and rotations during the playoff loss to Petro Gazz.
And while the chances of Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons returning early next year are high, it remains unclear whether they’ll be rejoining the exact same group they left behind before stepping away. - John Mark Garcia
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