PBA Board says Kiefer Ravena should honor NLEX contract, league policies

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board of Governors reiterated that NLEX player Kiefer Ravena should honor his contract with the Road Warriors.

The Japan Professional Basketball League's (B.League) Shiga Lakestars on Wednesday announced that it had signed Ravena as part of its Asian players quota, despite Ravena having an active PBA contract.

In a press conference on Saturday, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas said the philosophy behind the PBA Board's decision is to preserve "the sanctity of the contract."

"The Board has come out with its decision and its decision follows specifically a philosophy on the importance of a contract, which is important in Philippine law and the PBA and in FIBA," Vargas said.

"The philosophy is basically the sanctity of the contract. Breaking that contract is very difficult for us to manage moving forward," he added.

PBA vice chair Bobby Rosales seconded Vargas' statement and said "We would like to avoid the consequences if a contract is broken."

Following the PBA Board's decision, Vargas also said they will communicate with the B.League about their decision and Ravena's status in the PBA.

"We've also informed SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) that this is our decision. As a member of SBP, I am sure they will respect this decision," Vargas added, saying FIBA also holds the same point of view.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial also reiterated the Board's decision.

"May kontrata tayong sinusunod. Basic 'yan. Sorry ah, may kontrata eh so talagang hindi natin palalampasin 'yun," said Marcial.

Vargas said the Board's decision has not been communicated yet to Ravena, however, there is "intention to do so."

Meanwhile, Rosales said there are no talks yet on what penalties will be given should Ravena decide to pursue his Japan stint.

"At this point, we do not know how Kiefer will take this decision of the Board. I think it is not proper or timely for us to address a hypothetical question," he said.

Prior to the decision of the PBA Board, NLEX also previously said Ravena should follow the PBA rules and terms of contract.

Should Kiefer be allowed to proceed, he will join his brother Thirdy in the Japanese league. Thirdy recently re-signed with the San-En NeoPhoenix.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News