By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rain or Shine is suspending big man Beau Belga for six working days without pay following his participation in an exhibition game without informing the team management, much worse getting involved in a brawl in that same game.
A team official confirmed to Tempo-Manila Bulletin the development which appeared to be only the tip of the iceberg as the initial suspension could become heavier pending a meeting between Belga and the Elasto Painters management.
Rain or Shine is said to be trying to reach out to Belga for an explanation but the team couldn’t contact the embattled big man.
Belga along with fellow PBA players JR Quinahan of NLEX, Robert Bolick of NorthPort and Jio Jalalon of Magnolia reinforced a Cebuano all-star crew Northball against an import-laden Sirius Star which is composed of US streetballers in an exhibition game at the Carmen Municipal Gym in Cebu.
Bad turns to worse when Quinahan got into a first fight with one foreign player to which Belga also retaliated by throwing the ball to the opposing player.
A video of the incident immediately made rounds on social media, also prompted the PBA to also take action towards the incident. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial on Sunday, April 23 said all involved players are set to be summoned next week.
The PBA has a rule prohibiting players from seeing action in an unsanctioned game or “ligang labas” event unless they were allowed by their mother teams. Should proven to have violated the rule, Marcial warned the players of a possible hefty fine.
