Grethcel Soltones

Why get fined for doing good? That’s the question many asked when the Philippine Superliga (PSL) slapped volleyball star Grethcel Soltones a one-year suspension and a P50,000 fine for playing in a charity match. The likely answer: sports politics. The three-time NCAA Most Valuable Player saw action in an exhibition match organized by the Premier Volleyball League—the PSL’s rival league—to raise scholarship funds for the orphans of fallen soldiers. But the PSL decided to ban Soltones, citing a league rule that players under contract cannot play in an unsanctioned match outside the league. Team Iriga filed an appeal, noting that the former San Sebastian star has yet to sign a contract. But the PSL voted unanimously to uphold the decision. Minus the contract, it remains unclear who should pay for Soltones’ fine.