By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has cracked the whip on Magnolia Hotshots guard Jiovani Jalalon for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said Jalalon was hit with P75,000 on top of five-day suspension without pay for going against the league’s strict closed-circuit format when he played in a “ligang labas” last week.

“Yes [Jalalon is suspended] due to the protocol breach,” Marcial said in an interview with GMA News Online on Saturday. “The punishment was not that hefty since the PBA hadn’t made the decision on the fines yet before he committed the violation.”

Marcial added that the former Arellano University Chiefs guard personally admitted his stint in an outdoor basketball event in an area in Luzon and has vowed not to commit the same mistake again.

This was the second controversy the former Gilas Pilipinas guard Jalalon has encountered this offseason after being accused of womanizing and beating his wife a few months ago.

The PBA commissioner also warned the players, coaches and team staff to seriously abide by the league’s health and safety protocols or they will be slapped with hefty punishment.

“Individuals found violating the league’s health protocols will be handed a P75,000 fine and a 10-day suspension with pay. Repeat offenders face bigger sanctions,” Marcial said.

The PBA is implementing a close-circuit format bubble this 2021 Philippine Cup where the movement of players, coaches and officials is only limited to home to game venue and back./ASC, WDJ