D-LEAGUE COACH FINED, SUSPENDED
Tanduay Light head coach Lawrence Chongson, who had some colorful words to say in an interview that came out during Halloween weekend, was suspended for one game and meted a P150,000 fine.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud handed the sanctions after summoning the outspoken mentor to the PBA office in Libis Tuesday morning.
The statement issued by the Commissioner’s Office reads:
“After a closed-door conference with coach Lawrence Chongson of Tanduay Light Rhum Masters and hearing his explanation of his interview with the media, this Office finds that:
“Coach Chongson had publicly issued statements critical of and prejudicial to the best interests of the league; statements offensive to and disrespectful of the reputation and image of the member-teams mentioned in the interview; and an allegation that a particular member-team is not independently run and operated, a statement that this Office finds to be reckless and unsubstantiated.”
Coach Chongson had been strongly advised by the Commissioner to observe caution in conducting public interviews in the future dealing with topics that may negatively impact on the best interests of the league, as well as, be considered hurtful and damaging to the stature and goodwill of other member-teams.
Moments after Tanduay Light beat MJM Builders on Monday, Chongson reacted on the summons, saying, “If they want me to explain, I’ll explain it as best as I could. Privileged na conversation yan.”
He added, “Ako, ready to move forward naman kung ako lang mismo. I hope everyone, ganun na rin. If I can speak on behalf of the PBA, sana sila run, move forward na lang.”
The coach, who also represents Paul Lee, was reprimanded after he was quoted on various news reports for questioning the integrity of the league in the wake of Tanduay losing Chris Newsome and Mac Belo to different squads.
He also lashed at other D-League teams for various reasons.
With the sanction, Chongson will miss the Rhum Masters next game on Thursday against Hapee Fresh Fighters. (RL)
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