February 5 ------ JUSTIN Brownlee has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said. The SBP said Fiba issued Brownlee a "Notice of Charge" carrying a proposed three-month period of eligibility in relation to the doping rule violation in the Asian Games. "We’re elated that the consequences FIBA issued does not prevent Justin Brownlee to play for Gilas in the upcoming window,” said SBP president Al Panlilio. “Having him as our naturalized player alongside some of our locals that he has already played with before will be beneficial to the squad," Panlilio added.
Brownlee is expected to accept the notice of charge for a three-month ineligibility. Based on recent statements by SBP executive director Erika Dy and similar cases in the past, the sanction will be in effect retroactively. Under Fiba regulations, a hearing would be conducted if an athlete does not accept the notice of charge. Brownlee has been out of action since he violated doping rules after Gilas Pilipinas won a gold medal in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Brownlee didn’t play for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup even as no sanctions were handed out shortly after the doping violation. “Justin Brownlee is a big part of the team and the program moving forward and having him means we can hit the ground running,” Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said. “He’s already played with most of the guys so chemistry will already be there. He can now ramp up his conditioning and be ready to go once his suspension is lifted.”
Gilas will go up against Hong Kong on February 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium, and Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the Philsports Arena.
Source: spin.ph
Comments