By Waylon Galvez
Rain or Shine center Raymond Almazan apologized yesterday to Elasto Painter co-owner Raymund Yu for his misdeeds as he went AWOL (absent without official leave) for six games in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Yu, who met with Almazan at the company’s office in Pasig City, said the Bataan native was remorseful as he also missed a number of practice sessions because of his misunderstanding with mentor Caloy Garcia.
“He apologized,” said Yu, who co-owns the team with Terry Que.
“Not only to me but to the coaching staff, the team and the company. I think he realized the gravity of what happened,” added Yu.
Yu said that what happened was a “breakdown in communication” between the coach and the player – Garcia and Almazan – although he reminded the six-year veteran that it should be resolved internally.
While he understands some issues raised by Almazan, Yu said that there would be sanctions.
“It’s up to management… but yes there will be. Of course, to be fair with other players, we won’t tolerate this kind of action,” said Yu, whose team selected the former NCAA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year from Letran as the third overall pick in 2013.
Garcia was also present, as well as onetime PBA chairman and ROS governor Mamerto Mondragon, who mentioned that the mood was light during the almost two hours of r meeting.
“Of course there were some topics that have been discussed, but all throughout, they’re laughing and joking,” said Mondragon. “Coach Caloy spoke to Raymond and everything is okay between the two.”
Almazan, according to Mondragon, will no longer report to ROS’s practice, an agreement by both sides, and will not play in the three remaining games of the team – against Phoenix Fuel on Wednesday, San Miguel Beer on Saturday and NLEX on Nov. 3 – as part of the penalty imposed by the franchise.
“That’s effective today. He’ll return Nov. 4,” said Mondragon, adding that Almazan will not receive his salary while he is under team suspension. “That’s part of the penalty we have on Raymond.”
Almazan saw action only in the first two games of Rain or Shine and averaged just five points and 7.5 rebounds. He missed the team’s next six games, including a stinging 91-82 setback to Meralco last Sunday.
The loss dropped the Painters to 2-6, which pushed them to the brink of elimination. They now need to sweep their remaining games against Phoenix on Wednesday, San Miguel Beer on Saturday and NLEX on November 3 to earn at least a playoff berth for the eight and last spot.
Almazan, who was accompanied by wife Liza and player-agent Danny Espiritu, wasn’t available for comment.
Espiritu, who spoke on his behalf, said that Almazan is moving on from this issue.
“Everything is okay now. He was able to explain his side, and coach Caloy already talked to him. They’ll continue to talk with their player-coach relationship,” Espiritu said.
