PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has confirmed that Kyt Jimenez will be banned from the league after playing for the Zamboanga Valientes in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship without securing clearance from the PBA.
Jimenez, who gained popularity as a flashy playmaker for Mavs Phenomenal, signed a three-year Uniform Player’s Contract (UPC) with the San Miguel Beermen in 2022. However, after being relegated to the unrestricted free agent with rights to salary (UFAWR2S) list, he decided to play for the Valientes.
Although Jimenez reportedly sought permission from San Miguel’s management to play for Zamboanga, Commissioner Marcial clarified that any release requires approval not just from the team but also from the PBA Commissioner's Office.
“A UPC is a tripartite agreement among the player, his team, and the league. Any release should be signed off by all parties,” Marcial stated. “Nakapirma ako sa lahat ng players’ contracts, since tripartite sila.”
Jimenez’s actions were deemed a violation of the UPC, which binds players to their respective PBA teams and the league as a whole. The PBA has emphasized that such contracts are designed to protect the integrity of the league by ensuring that all professional players remain accountable to the rules agreed upon when they signed.
Marcial has assured that the door remains open for Jimenez to return in the future. He can appeal the ban if he signs with another PBA team and seeks to rectify the situation.
The PBA’s decision to ban Jimenez is, on paper, justified. Rules are rules, and players who knowingly violate them must face the consequences to maintain order and fairness in the league. Jimenez signed a UPC and, by doing so, agreed to abide by its stipulations. His failure to obtain clearance from the Commissioner’s Office constitutes a clear breach of that agreement.
However, this situation also raises questions about the fairness and practicality of the current PBA contract setup, particularly the UFAWR2S mechanism. This system allows teams to retain rights over a player even when they are no longer part of the active roster. For Jimenez, this meant being unable to pursue basketball opportunities freely despite being relegated to the sidelines.
While the PBA did what it needed to do by enforcing its rules, this case highlights potential flaws in the system. Should a team have indefinite control over a player’s career simply because they are on the UFAWR2S list? This mechanism, while aimed at protecting teams’ investments, can also stifle players’ growth and opportunities.
The league must strike a better balance between safeguarding its structure and allowing players the freedom to pursue opportunities—especially when they are not being utilized by their current teams. Reforming the contract system could prevent similar conflicts and foster a healthier relationship between players, teams, and the league.
The PBA has upheld its rules in banning Kyt Jimenez, but it must also take this opportunity to review and improve its policies to ensure fairness and mutual respect among all stakeholders.
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