Marcial tells players to be ‘always careful’ PBA rules out strict measures for off-court activities

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial reiterated his reminder to all players to be careful and stay in their best behavior in the aftermath of a stabbing incident over the weekend that saw Alaska rookie Jeron Teng, Rain or Shine center Norbert Torres and former La Salle guard Thomas Torres sustain wounds.

Teng and the two other players have been kept under observation by doctors at St. Lukes Medical Center after figuring in a brawl with two suspects early Sunday outside of a bar in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, an incident that rocked the local basketball community.

The three players are expected to file charges against the suspects, iden- tified as Edmar Manalo and Willard Basili.

While ruling out the possibility of having the league implement strict measures on off-court activities – particularly late-night hangouts – Marcial said he will personally continue to tell players to be extra careful.

“Kinakausap ko naman sila at nireremind na mag-ingat parati,” Marcial said.

The melee came days after the PBA dealt with the FIBA suspension of NLEX freshman Kiefer Ravena, who tested positive for banned substances from an energy drink during the World Cup Qualifiers.

It is unknown when Teng will return to action, though sources hinted he may need extended time to recover after being stabbed in the back.

Alaska won’t take the court until Sunday when it faces Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The injuries sustained from the brawl will serve as a big setback for Teng, who last Saturday produced eight points and 10 rebounds in Alaska’s 109-103 win over GlobalPort.

Teng had been seeing limited action in the Aces’ previous games in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Alaska had sent out a statement, expressing optimism “that the local authorities will be releasing their findings soon.”

Norbert Torres, on the other hand, is expected to miss a week after being cut in the left arm. Rain or Shine will play Blackwater on Friday at the Big Dome.

Thomas Torres, who was set to play for Mandaluyong in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, will need six weeks to recover after injuring his triceps.