PBA on 'wait and see' mode re: Justin Brownlee's sanctions

The Philippine Basketball Association remains on 'wait and see' mode regarding the case of Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player and Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, who tested positive for a prohibited substance during the 19th Asian Games.

The International Testing Agency on October 13 revealed that Brownlee tested positive for Carboxy-THC. According to a report by the Agence-France Presse, the said substance is linked to cannabis use.

With the league opening on November 5 for the reinforcement-laden Commissioner's Cup, PBA Board chairman Ricky Vargas and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said they will wait if sanctions from other bodies will be imposed on Brownlee.

"We have not heard of any sanctions yet for Brownlee so we'll await those sanctions if there's an official violation and that's the time for us to respond," Vargas said during the league's pre-season conference on Tuesday.

"'Di pa kami makagalaw kasi di pa alam ano ba si Brownlee," Marcial echoed to the media on the Ginebra import's status. "Kung may desisyon na tapos ma-adopt natin, tingnan natin."

(We cannot move yet since Brownlee's case has no finality yet. If there's a decision we can adopt, let's see.)

For now, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team governor Alfrancis Chua said they are letting Brownlee rest first in the United States with his family.

However, with the PBA opening in three weeks time, Chua said they are exploring possible replacements for Brownlee.

"As of now, wala pa. We're talking about 'just in case' para ready kami kasi it's hard [to be] caught blind," Chua told the media. 

"As of now, may names lang, palitan kami pero wala pa talagang concrete kasi if ever. He's in the States now, so it's better to look for a new import. Replacement na sandali lang naman para kay Justin."

(As of now, there's still none. We're talking about 'just in case' so we can be ready because it's hard to be caught blind. For now, there are names being exchanged but nothing concrete. He's in the States now, so it's better to look for a new import. A temporary replacement for Justin.)

Chua said they will follow whatever sanctions, if any, will be imposed on Brownlee.

"The only thing we have to do is to accept. 'Di natin controlled 'yun eh."

(The only thing we have to do is accept. It's not within our control.)

Brownlee has until October 19 to plead his case and ask to open the B sample which also came from the same urine test. 

For Chua, however, he would rather not appeal it.

"Kung ako ang tatanungin, ba't mo pa iko-contest eh pareho ang laman?" he said.

"Bahala siya kung ipa-open 'yung B sample. We're behind Justin but this is too personal. Kailangan respetuhin natin anong gusto niya. We're giving him feedback to help him out," Chua eventually added.

(If I were to be asked, why contest if it's the same content? It's up to him if he will request to open the B sample. We're behind Justin but this is too personal. We need to respect what he wants. We're giving him feedback to help him out.)

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino previously said the substance may have been taken during his treatment while he was in the United States.

Despite the incident, Tolentino assured that the gold medal will stay with the Philippines.

Ginebra will open their title defense campaign on November 17 when they play the Converge FiberXers.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News