PBA: Woe is Don

Manila, Philippines – The hot topic today is that of Barako Bull Energy’s Don Allado, who made a highly controversial tweet regarding the PBA.

Barako Bull got eliminated last night by the Powerade Tigers via 99-95 but not after a controversial non-call involving Tiger’s import Omar Sneed.

The referees failed to call a three-second violation on Sneed who laid down on the paint after being pushed in the dying seconds. Sneed took his sweet time which drew the ire of the whole Energy bench.

The bad thing about it that the scenario eventually became an opening for rookie JV Casio to drive in and make a shot and further pad the Powerade lead, 97-89 with about 1:42 left in the game.

The controversial referee who did not blow his whistle, Peter Balao, was eventually suspended for the rest of the season but Allado may not get off that easily.

“PBA games are fixed. They control who is in & who is out. It’s a disgrace to be in this league,” was what Allado tweeted.

Allado eventually became one of the trending topics on Twitter because of the tweet, something PBA commissioner Chito Salud did not like at all.

“These accusations that games are fixed, that we control who goes into the semis/finals/eventual champion are baseless and unfounded it came from someone who has lost his mind and a sore loser,” said Salud who will be meeting with Allado tomorrow at the PBA office to explain his claims.

As for the penalties that may be handed out, Salud relayed that it could be a fine, a suspension or other sanctions that fall under the discretion of the PBA commissioner.

Don has however apologized for his actions already through Twitter:

“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Comm Salud & entire PBA for last night’s tweets that’s now a subject of controversy. It was an error in judgement on my part to let my passion for this game get the best of me. As a professional I should’ve known better. I understand my statement may be construed by many as discrediting the PBA. Let it be known, however, that such is not my intention. Again, my sincerest apologies to the Comm Salud, Board of Governors & entire PBA.”

This is not the first time that game fixing has been mentioned in the PBA. In fact, it has always been mentioned in most sports, including that of the Pacquiao-Bradley match. But the thing is that while many say it, there is no concrete proof to back it up.

And for Don Allado, that seems to be the case. Some say he may be retiring early after this mess while others are expecting a heavy fine and penalty for his actions. On which is which will be known by tomorrow when he meets with Atty. Salud.

For the record, Meralco defeated Powerade a couple of hours ago, 94-86, to advance to the final six. (with reports from Waylon Galvez)

Notes: We have been getting a lot of requests for writeups about certain players and basketball in the early 70s. This was after that writeup about the Big J yesterday. We are now welcoming requests for special features on players, teams or historical facts in case you are interested. All you have to do is drop us an email request at pbajunkie@gmail.com and we will get on it.