NBA releases statement on Last Home Stand
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has spoken out on the doomed Last Home Stand charity event that was supposed to feature a group of NBA stars match up against Gilas Pilipinas at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The statement, first published in the league’s official website www.nba.com, reads in full:
“Under the terms of the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are allowed to participate in offseason basketball games or exhibitions when requirements for those events are met, including ensuring that appropriate safeguards be in place, and the promoter seeks the proper exemptions from the NBA and the player’s team. The promoter of this proposed event, East-West Private LLC, was informed of this process several months ago but did not take the required steps. Filipinos are among the most passionate basketball fans in the world and we are committed to bringing them more access to our game and supporting the ongoing Typhoon Haiyan rehabilitation efforts.”
Organizers were forced to cancel the July 23 event and offer refunds to ticket holders of both the July 22 and 23 events. PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan also apologized to basketball fans for what happened.
