KIEFER Ravena should have cleared up some legal matters first before agreeing to play with a Japanese ballclub.
According to a source versed in legal matters regarding the league, Ravena could not join the Shiga Lakestars even if allowed by his mother team NLEX.
“It’s not just NLEX and Ravena involved,” said the source. “Kasama din sa kontratang pinirmahan ni Kiefer ang PBA and it is highly doubtful the (PBA) governors would allow that because doing so might set a dangerous precedent.”
That opinion falls in line with the stance of Commissioner Willie Marcial, who has already put his foot down on the deal that he says violates Ravena’s signed agreement with NLEX and the PBA.
“Si Kiefer, may kontrata siya sa PBA, may UPC (Uniform Players Contract), kaya di siya puwede,” said Marcial late Wednesday, adding he told the same thing to Ravena when the player contacted him the day before.
“Kaibigan ko sila, pamilya nila,” related Marcial. “Pero may tungkulin akong dapat gampanan bilang commissioner na protektahan ang liga, bawat team, at gagampanan ko iyon.”
There should be no need for the PBA Board to convene and collectively tackle Ravena’s case, added Marcial, but the teams’ representatives could instruct him on his next move after discussing the matter privately among themselves.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, the Road Warriors’ general manager, still could not be contacted for comment but the team issued a statement late Wednesday.
“We understand and support Kiefer’s desire for personal advancement,” read the statement posted in NLEX’s official website arangkadanlex.com.
“However, as a member of the PBA, we are duty bound to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the league. The NLEX Road Warriors stand by the tripartite agreement between our organization, the PBA, and the individual player, which is enshrined in the Uniform Player Contract (UPC).
“The Japan engagement of Kiefer will need to conform to the terms of the UPC as well as the rules and policies of the PBA.”
It is on such legal rules that Marcial is basing his own decision on.
“Ewan ko na lang kung babaguhin ng Board ang posisyon ko, pero may UPC siya sa akin kaya hindi talaga puwede,” he said.
It seems Ravena is ready to make the jump, however, notwithstanding the remaining legal hurdles that such a move entails.
Shortly after the Lakestars announced Ravena’s signing shortly before noon last Wednesday, the player thanked NLEX management for its support in the next phase of his career.
In a post on his Facebook account, Ravena thanked NLEX big bosses led by Manny V. Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Investment Corp. chief Rod Franco, team executive Ronald Dulatre and Guiao “for giving me your blessing and backing in this next stage of my career.”
The NLEX star also thanked the Shiga Lakestars.
“In light of today’s (Wednesday) announcement, I would like to thank my team, Shiga Lakestars, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you for the trust and belief that a Filipino can perform and play in such a prestigious league. Domo arigatou gozaimasu,” he said.
“I would also like to thank my NLEX Road Warriors Family and Management. To Boss MVP, Boss Rod Franco, Boss Ronald, Coach Yeng and all my teammates, maraming salamat. The support you have given me all throughout my stay has given me nothing but joy and great memories,” wrote Ravena.
“Our dream of winning a championship will always be there. I am and will always be proud of this family. Thank you for giving me your blessing and backing me in this next stage of my career.”
Ravena’s case is different from those of Greg Slaughter and Rayray Parks since the two have expired contracts. Ditto for the case of Kiefer’s younger brother, Thirdy, who brought his act to Japan before entering the PBA.
Ravena signed a new three-year contract extension with NLEX last September
“That UPC is binding until 2023 and magiging tantamount to breach of contract pag basta iiwanan ni Ravena ang NLEX,” the source pointed out.
“Besides, if the PBA allows Ravena, what would prevent other players from following suit in the future?”
