WILL Kiefer Ravena be allowed to play in the Philippine Basketball Association after he was suspended by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for 18 months?
That’s the question that PBA commissioner Willie Marcial is pondering as he awaits word from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on the status of Ravena.
“There’s no decision yet. I’m still waiting for a letter from the SBP,” said Marcial.
Ravena has been suspended by FIBA for 18 months after the federation found him to have taken banned performance-enhancing drugs during random drug-testing held at a FIBA Asia qualifying tournament last February.
The FIBA decision covers Ravena’s eligibility for international competitions and authorities in the Philippines are still deciding if it will affect Ravena’s eligibility with the PBA and other local tournaments.
The test was done after the Philippines-Japan game in Manila last Feb. 25, and on the second window of the FIBA 2019 qualifiers.
During the testing, Ravena did not disclose in a form that he signed that he was taking any supplements.
A remorseful Ravena said last Monday that he made an honest mistake in taking a pre-workout drink that contained the banned substances.
Analysis of a sample that was conducted in a World Anti-Doping Association accredited facility in Monteal, Canada revealed the presence of 4-dimethylhexan-2-amine or methylhexaneamine, 3-dimethylbutylamine, and higenamine.
Ravena said he is taking full responsibility for his actions.
He said he normally takes the workout drink C4. But, before a training camp in Australia, Ravena said he ran out of C4 and instead used a replacement drink called DUST, which is mixed with water and consumed before he played.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas, legal counsel Chito Narvasa, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio, Executive Director Sonny Barrios and SBP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan joined Ravena in discussing his case.
Ravena said the sports drink he took can be bought over the counter. He said he was not aware that it contained substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Ravena admitted to his mistakes, FIBA disciplinary panel’s Eleonora Rangelova said the player will no longer penalized with a two-year suspension.
In a decision sent to the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, Rangelova said Ravena will instead won’t be allowed to play for 18 months.
“There are rules that regulate the use of substance. And we should abide by these rules,” said Panlilio.
Meanwhile, Vargas said local authorities are not equipped to handle cases similar to Ravena.
He said he will call for a meeting with the Philippine Sports Commission, along with sports medicine specialists, Dr. Alex Pineda and Dr. George Canlas on the current anti-doping program that is being followed.
“We are moving towards a stricter implementation. We are not equipped to tackle these cases. By strictly following WADA rules, we will get there,” said Vargas.