THE ball is now with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and NorthPort.
Greece-raised Will Navarro yesterday apologized to the SBP and the Batang Pier for the controversy his signing with Seoul Samsung in the Korean Basketball League generated.
At the same time, the lanky 6-foot-6 forward asked to be released from his contract obligations with Gilas and NorthPort.
“Today, I met with executive director Sonny Barrios at his office and reiterated my sincere apology for my error and the misunderstanding and miscommunication caused by my signing up with the Samsung Thunders of Korea,” Navarro said in a lengthy post on his Instagram account yesterday.
“I seek the kind understanding and generosity of the SBP, the PBA and the Northport Batang Pier team to give me a chance to pursue my and my family’s dreams for my basketball career. I pledge to abide by whatever decision they may arrive at regarding my case,” he added.
Navarro failed to get a clearance from the world governing body for basketball, FIBA, to suit up for the Thunders due to an existing pact with the national team and Batang Pier, the squad that tabbed him in the special draft last year.
“I now fully recognize that I have an existing contract with the SBP and am aware of its provision re: the rights of my PBA drafting team thru the PBA special draft, the Northport Batang Pier,” Navarro said.
“Since the fallout of my actions, I have sought professional assistance and am now once again under the advice of a management team that will assist me with contracts and commitments moving forward.”
The Thunders announced yesterday they instead signed Fil-Canadian Christian David as their Asian Quota player in lieu of Navarro.
Navarro, who suited up for San Beda University and Ateneo in the NCAA and UAAP, showed up at the Gilas practice last Monday.
