The campaign of Filipino basketball player Kiefer Ravena in the B.League of Japan came to an end even before it began.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) said on Saturday, June 5, that Ravena has to honor his contract with the NLEX Road Warriors, and with the league.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, earlier, said that the uniform player contract of Ravena with the Road Warriors and PBA bars him from playing in other leagues.
Last September, Ravena signed a contract with NLEX until 2023.
"The philosophy is basically the sanctity of the contract, and breaking that contract is going to be very difficult for us to manage moving forward," said Ricky Vargas, chairperson of the PBA Board of Governors, during a press conference.
"I know for the fans of Kiefer this is a letdown but, after looking at everything, the board thought the PBA will also have to be protected," he added.
Vargas said that the PBA will communicate the decision of the league to the B.League.
He further added that the PBA has also informed the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national sports association of basketball in the Philippines, regarding the decision of the league.
"We were assured that as a member of the SBP, they will respect this decision," Vargas said.
Shiga Lakestars announced on Wednesday, June 2, that Ravena has signed up with the team and will play in the 2021-2022 season of the B.League in Japan.
The 27-year old player has also confirmed that he plans to bring his talent to Japan.
