NLEX superstar Kiefer Ravena finally got a conditional release from the PBA to play for the Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese professional basketball league—the B.League.
The 27-year old will not be given any sanctions by the PBA but the league will hand penalties to his team, NLEX, for giving their player consent to sign with another team while still having a live contract with them. The amount was not disclosed during the virtual press conference held on Saturday morning.
Ravena, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, NLEX top brass Ronald Dulatre and league legal head JD Garcia attended the press conference.
“The NLEX Road Warriors are happy to announce that an agreement has been reached with the PBA to allow Kiefer to play in the Japan B. League for one season. This agreement was reached following discussions with the PBA Board, Commissioner Willie Marcial, NLEX Road Warriors management, and Kiefer’s camp,” shared Dulatre.
The PBA, though, set a condition that states that Ravena will play for Shiga for only one season but only after he finishes his commitments to NLEX in the Philippine Cup. If he doesn’t return to NLEX after the one season, then the PBA will have no choice but to sanction Ravena.
Ravena also apologized for the controversy and distraction his actions have caused.
"I apologized for any hurts, any hurt feelings and stress that this has caused the PBA and my team, the NLEX Road Warriors. I specifically want to apologize to the PBA Board of Governors and Commissioner Willie Marcial who I know are doing their best to lead the PBA and meeting the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic," said Ravena.