MANILA, Philippines – Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo announced that the Bolts have fined and suspended veteran swingman Gary David for refusing a coach's orders to enter the game during the fourth quarter of the team’s 104-99 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday, March 11.
David will serve the suspension when Meralco takes on the Blackwater Elite on Friday, March 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Regarding the amount of David’s fine, Trillo told Rappler that “We're still deciding on exact amount for the fine but it will be commensurate to his salary and time missed.”
In his statement, Trillo explained that “At a crucial point in the game vs. NLEX last Friday with over 4 [minutes] to go in the last quarter, Meralco Head Coach Norman Black asked player Gary David to check in the game. Gary then indicated to Coach Norman that he did not want to play.
“After further investigation, it was clear there were no physical impediments for Gary not to enter the game,” said the team manager.
Trillo’s statement also said that the veteran’s actions were “unacceptable” in 3 different levels: insubordination, lack of dedication to the team, and “breach of contract which states that he’s obligated to play in official PBA games at all times.”
“In keeping with team policies, disciplinary actions will be enforced,” said Trillo.
“The Bolts still support Gary as a member of the team, but sanctions have to be imposed to maintain discipline and alignment with Meralco's team culture.”
David, who was once considered one of the best players in the PBA, is averaging his lowest numbers in 10 years.
In 18 games this PBA season, David’s recording just 24.2 minutes, 12.3 points, and 2.6 rebounds a contest, per pba-online.net
His numbers have taken a major hit in the Commissioner’s Cup, where he’s scored in double-figures only twice in 7 games, and played at least 20 minutes just one time.
David, 37, played only 7 minutes total against the Road Warriors and finished with his first scoreless game of the conference on 0-of-1 shooting.
After getting out to a 5-0 start in the Commissioner’s Cup, Meralco has lost its last two games to San Miguel and NLEX, and has fallen to second in the league standings behind the 5-1 Alaska Aces. – Rappler.com