MPBL bans Bacolod players, coaches amid game-fixing allegations

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has slapped heavy sanctions on players and coaches of the Bacolod team amid game-fixing allegations.In a statement on Thursday, the league issued red cards to several players and coaches of Bacolod MassKara who were implicated to "potential game-manipulation".The players and coaches were not named."All individuals served with Red Cards are permanently banned from the league. The League is also announcing that the franchise's participation for the remainder of the season has been cancelled," the MPBL said.It also pointed out that some members of the team were issued yellow cards earlier this season."The League stresses that these measures are preventive and administrative as the league will continue its investigation together with relevant government agencies. This is not the first time that the team concerned has been warned of its actions as previous incidents were also flagged by the Office of the Commissioner," the league said."The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball," it added.The league said the red card system was introduced by their founder and chairman, former senator Manny Pacquiao as a way to combat game manipulation and is fully recognized and supported by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB)."Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners, and the public," the league stated."We vow to the public, our fans, and the entire basketball community that we will remain relentless and uncompromising in eradicating game-manipulation from Philippine basketball. The integrity of the game will always come first," it added.The statement came following MassKara's 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas, and was left scoreless in the game's last seven minutes. ARIC JOHN SY CUA