Image courtesy of www.news.abs-cbn.com
Source: www.news.abs-cbn.com
The worst case scenario has come to fruition for Kiefer Ravena.
The NLEX rookie will not be allowed to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) while his FIBA suspension is in effect, the PBA Board confirmed Thursday.
FIBA has suspended Ravena for 18 months – from February 25, 2018 to August 24, 2019 – after the guard tested positive for three substances included in the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency. He was tested after Gilas Pilipinas' game against Japan in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in February.
"The board did take the decision of FIBA as very serious," PBA chairman Ricky Vargas said in a briefing at the league office. "It affects one of our star players."
"But it (the PBA Board) also recognized that we are a member of the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), and as a member of the SBP, we respect the rules that the SBP would promulgate," he added.
"And that is in consonance with the FIBA ruling of suspension."
Ravena's suspension was announced on Monday, but the SBP still asked FIBA for a clarification regarding his status in the PBA – hoping against hope that the rookie will be allowed to play for the Road Warriors even while suspended from international play.
But SBP president Al Panlilio admitted that he always knew their appeal was a long shot.
"I actually knew (FIBA's) answer even before I received their reply," he said.
"It's very clear naman, the ruling," Panlilio further said. "All leagues, even events – except for activities that are related to the anti-doping campaign. It's very clear that he's not allowed to play in any league."
"He's also not allowed to practice," he added. "He would have to do his own training."
Individual workouts
Ravena has already acknowledged that he has no choice but to conduct his own individual workouts, even as he stressed that he will continue to support the Road Warriors and the Gilas Pilipinas national team while serving his suspension.
"Walang competition, but it's all in the mind eh," Ravena said on Wednesday, after watching NLEX win its first game without him in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup. "It's how I'm able to rise above it. Medyo mahirap pero kailangan lagpasan, kailangan gawin talaga kung ano ang kailangang gawin."
"Even though I'm not playing, I have to find my own ways of trying to keep in shape because, mamaya biglang ma-lift 'yung suspension ko or ma-ano 'yun ayoko na nagpapabaya ako, may mangyari pa sa career ko," he added.
"So I'm taking every day, a day at a time, taking care of my body, and just being ready for whatever."
Ravena was also advised by Vargas not to take any risks that may lead to yet another FIBA sanction.
"Don't risk it. Don't draw a line na, 'what if I do this, what if I do that,'" Vargas said. "Stay away from it. We don't want him to test the waters, na what if he plays in a barangay (league)."
Further appeal
Ravena will remain busy, however. Aside from doing his own workouts, he will also serve as the PBA's ambassador in its anti-doping campaign.
"Kiefer will be the best ambassador to spread the word and create awareness to educate all athletes, not only in basketball, but all Filipino athletes," said Panlilio.
The SBP will keep FIBA aware of their efforts to raise awareness in Filipino athletes, with Ravena front and center in the program.
"We'll document that, and we will continue to try down the road, maybe approach FIBA again and say, 'Ito ang ginagawa ng bata,'" Panlilio said.
"Malay niyo, kapag maganda ang behavior niya, makita ng FIBA, and request tayo na i-lessen (ang suspension)," added PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
Any further appeal will have to come down the road, said Panlilio, as they just received a very definitive answer from FIBA.
In the meantime, Ravena will be put in NLEX's reserve list.
