Will Justin Brownlee’s suspension push through following his failed doping test in the Asian Games?
That seems to be the question on everyone’s mind as there has yet to be a final verdict on Brownlee’s case.
The Philippine Olympic Committee has already laid down the steps for Brownlee and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to appeal the doping test.
But if the verdict stays the same and the suspension pushes through, it might take two years before PBA fans will get to see the six-time Barangay Ginebra San Miguel import.
POC President Bambol Tolentino noted that the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) decision will be passed on to international bodies that the PBA is a part of.
“Mahirap pag pinabayaan lang natin 'yung two-year suspension,” Tolentino told Noli Eala in Radyo5's Power and Play on Saturday. “Sayang ang participation niya sa PBA kasi the decision will be forwarded also to FIBA then to the IF (International Sports Federations) then the IF will forward it to SBP.
“All sanctioned game ng FIBA maaapektuhan 'yun,” he added.
Brownlee’s case could be similar to that of Kiefer Ravena, where the latter was suspended initially for two years but was reduced to 18 months.
The Barangay Ginebra import could also miss Gilas’ stints in the next SEA Games and Asian Games.
“All sanctioned ng OCA and IOC. Well, matagal pa naman 'yung next SEA Games [will be in] 2025 and next Asian Games will be 2026,” said Tolentino.
This will indeed be a big blow not only for Gilas but also for Ginebra, who have competed for the PBA title ever since Brownlee arrived in the league in 2015.
For now, PBA and Gilas fans will have to wait for what’s next in Brownlee’s doping case.
(CF)