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GlobalPort gives sleeping import Sharpe the boot

Walter Sharpe (right) played only two games for GlobalPort. (PBA Images)

GlobalPort has given import Walter Sharpe the pink slip.

A day after his stunning photo showing him fast asleep in a parking lot in Ortigas, Pasig City came out online, the 6-foot-9 Sharpe was terminated “effective immediately for conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball player,” according to an official statement of team owner Mikee Romero Tuesday.

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Romero, who sat down with team manager BJ Manalo and coach Junel Baculi Monday night, stressed that “any player, whether a local or an import, should be a good role model for the Filipinos and most especially to our youth. Walter Sharpe who has a live contract should have been more responsible for his actions.”

After getting drafted 32nd overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2008, Sharpe, 27, was diagnosed with narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder that causes excessive sleepiness.

That, however, won’t stop the Batang Pier from giving the former Alabama-Birmingham the big boot.

“We are saddened by the reports of the incident the other night. Rest assured that our organization will sanction the people involved because we believe that we have a responsibility to the PBA and fans of the league. GlobalPort will not tolerate actions of any local or foreign player who destroys the integrity of both our company and that of the PBA,” Manalo said in an SMS message.

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After having an okay debut with 24 points and nine rebounds in the their 94-106 loss to Air21 last March 10, Sharpe was virtually absent in their 85-93 defeat to Alaska last Sunday, coming up with just two points and five rebounds before fouling with 4:23 left to play.

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