Salud calls Allado ‘sore loser,’ says claims are baseless

PBA commissioner Chito Salud. InterAKTV/Niko Bolante

PBA commissioner Chito Salud had strong words for Don Allado after the Barako Bull center’s rant blasting the league.

“These accusations that games are fixed, that we control who goes into the semis/finals/eventual champion are baseless and unfounded it came from someone who has lost his mind and a sore loser,” said Salud.

Allado created controversy on Twitter shortly after his team’s loss 99-93 to the Powerade Tigers in a knockout match on Tuesday night.

“PBA games are fixed. They control who is in & who is out. It’s a disgrace to be in this league,” wrote Allado.

Salud has summoned Allado to his office on Thursday at 11 a.m. for a meeting. “I hope he will be able to back up his claims.”

When asked about possible sanctions for Allado, Salud answered: “A fine, suspension, and all other sanctions the commissioner in his discretion can impose, can be implemented.

“But I have to hear him first. Let him defend himself, because that’s part of due process. We have to hear everybody’s side before we decide.”

Salud also emphatically defended the league against the allegations.

“I am refuting Allado’s claims that games in PBA are fixed. This is the first time I heard a player blatantly accusing the league of being fixed. I am aching to hear his side tomorrow,” he said.

“There were statements before issued by teams/coaches/team owners that they’re not getting the fair share of the call, but that’s nothing compared to these statements of Allado, questioning the credibility and integtiry of the league, just because of a bitter loss.

Salud said that the league already took steps to remedy errors in officiating during the knockout game.

“We suspended Referee Balao immediately because that was a blatant mistake –a non-call on a 3-sec violation — so that issue has been addressed even after Allado started tweeting.”

Salud said he was “surprised and saddened” by Allado’s posts.

“These were reckless and detrimental to the league and these are inexcusable and unacceptable. His statements were issued not just against the refs but the people who ran the league.”

“These statements came from a player who’s been in the league 13-14 years and for someone who have enjoyed the games and benefits, now he’s attacking the very league, which provided him a good life. He could have come to me and aired his sentiments, but those statements are clearly unsportsmanlike in nature.”

Salud also stressed that the PBA’s constitution prohibits players and all team officials for issuing statements that are prejudicial and likewise urged them to maintain proper decorum in and out of the court.

“It’s very important that our players should serve as our role models, young people looking up to them, how they conduct themselves, especially after losing, is very important. They need to act like true sportsmen. It’s about time for this league to observe proper decorum on an off the court,” said Salud.

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