Lyceum of the Philippines University veteran John Barba shed light on allegations that he participated in a 'ligang labas' game amid the ongoing NCAA Season 100.
The fourth-year wingman said he did see action in a pick-up game, but stressed it happened way before their campaign this year. He also added that he is aware that playing in an unsanctioned match is against the rules of the NCAA.
"Matagal na 'yun. Last last year pa ata. Nag-reels lang siguro 'yung nag-post tapos akala nila ngayon 'yun," Barba told GMA News Online.
"Hindi po ako naglalaro ng ligang labas kapag eligibility na at NCAA season kasi alam ko po 'yung consequences."
The issue rose on the heels of LPU's 74-65 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes, meanwhile, said he is leaving the decision to the team management on whether they will file a protest or not.
"Sa management ‘yan eh. Kasi I don’t know the rules regarding that — 'pag naglaro ka sa labas or whatsoever. Ang trabaho ko is to ready the team in our games. Pero in regards to the protest, wala akong [alam d'yan]," Cabiltes said.
"Hayaan ko na lang ‘yung management kung ano ‘yung maging decision nila. Kung ano ‘yung rules ng NCAA regarding sa paglalaro sa ligang labas ng mga players during the season."
As of writing, NCAA management committee chairman Hercules Callanta said no protest has reached his office yet.
LPU tactician Gilbert Malabanan is confident that Barba's name will soon be cleared from the allegations as the Pirates look to make a push to book the last Final Four berth.
"Actually hindi siya ligang labas, it’s a five-on-five lang, papawis lang. Wala siyang commentator, talagang limahan lang," Malabanan said.
"I don't know with them pero I’m confident na wala lang. Alam naman kasi ni Ato ‘yun, pickup game lang talaga."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
