PHILIPPINES – A recent storm of controversy has placed a dark cloud over the fledgling Philippines League with the indefinite suspension of 24 members of the national baseball team.

The league – Baseball Philippines – sent a memo to the suspended players where it states that the action was in response to what appeared to be an alleged boycott by the RP team members on games held on May 24-25.

“In view of preserving the integrity and stability of the league and all stakeholders and general public, we have decided that the players are indefinitely suspended from participating in the games of Baseball Philippines effective immediately,” the league told the players in a memorandum.

The row stems from the forced ouster of long-time Philippine Amateur Baseball Association president Hector Navasero. Navasero, who was supposed to vacate his last April, endorsed his deputy Ely Baradas as his successor. However, the election was postponed when Baseball Philippines officials protested due the absence of election procedures.

Although the national team athletes have yet to issue a statement regarding their boycott and subsequent suspensions, a source indicated the group was upset that league officials had unfairly accused the players of not competing at a high level in recent games due to their allegiance with Navasero.

Photo courtesy of Baseball Philippines

Tags: Philippines