Ravena’s FIBA ban includes PBA stint

The PBA confirmed on Thursday that Kiefer Ravena’s FIBA ban includes his stint with NLEX Road Warriors. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The PBA confirmed on Thursday that Kiefer Ravena’s FIBA ban includes his stint with NLEX Road Warriors.

“It’s very clear naman in the ruling na all leagues,” said SBP president Al Panlilio, who is part of the PBA board of governors as Meralco’s representative, during a press conference that followed an emergency board meeting at the league office in Quezon City on Thursday.

Panlilio further said that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas already received the FIBA’s reply to its clarification, which said that the ban spills through the club leagues.

He also added that Ravena cannot attend the Road Warriors’ practices during his ban that will last until August 24, 2019.

This basically means that Ravena will miss the remainder of what has been a stellar rookie season for him as well as most of the 2019 season.

Panlilio, however, clarified that Ravena can attend “activities that relate to anti-doping.”

On the other hand, PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas bared, “The board did take the decision of FIBA as very serious because it has affected one of the PBA’s star players and FIBA is not allowing Kiefer to play.”

However, the POC president added, “We respect the rules that the SBP would promulgate and that is in consonance with the FIBA ruling on suspension.”