By Agence France-Presse

NBA players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson are among a growing list of athletes and teams pledging to provide financial assistance to stadium workers who will suffer wage losses due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Reigning NBA MVP Antetokounmpo announced he would give $100,000 to workers at the Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum and Williamson has promised to cover the salaries of all employees at the Smoothie King Center for the next month.

“My mother has always set an example for me about being respectful for others and being grateful for what we have, and so today I am pledging to cover the salaries for all of those Smoothie King Center workers for the next 30 days,” Williamson said.

The hourly wage workers will take a big hit from the shut-down of the NBA and NHL, along with cancellations of concerts as public health officials caution that large gatherings can hasten the spread of COVID-19.

“It’s bigger than basketball!” Antetokounmpo tweeted. “And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier.

It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier. Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together!

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 13, 2020

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“Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together!”

The 19-year-old Williamson’s salary pledge coincides with the NBA’s planned regular season hiatus in response to the outbreak.

“Many of them are still recovering from long-term challenges created by (Hurricane) Katrina, and now face the economic impact of the postponement of games because of the virus,” Williamson said.

Friday’s moves come a day after Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love committed $100,000 to the team’s arena workers and support staff. Love is expected to get some help from the team.

“I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities,” Love said, adding that moral support was just as important as financial in such a time of tension.

The Golden State Warriors announced that their owners and players are donating $1 million to a disaster-relief fund that will aid the more than 1,000 part-time Chase Center workers.

“As players, we wanted to do something, along with our ownership and coaches, to help ease the pain during this time,” said Warriors star Stephen Curry.

Wage loss fund

On the hockey side, the Pittsburgh Penguins players have started a fund to pay “full and part-time arena/service employees who would otherwise lose income on regular season games due to the pause in the NHL season.”

The Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs have also pledged assistance.

Detroit-based Ilitch Companies, which owns the baseball Detroit Tigers, hockey’s Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars Arena announced the establishment of a $1 million fund to cover workers salaries for a month. NBA player Blake Griffin, who plays for the Detroit Pistons, is chipping in $100,000 for the arena workers.

Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller has vowed to help out financially.

Mark Cuban, billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks said the team is making arrangements with American Airlines Arena and other corporate partners “to ensure that scheduled event staff will receive payment for the six home games that were to take place during the 30-day NBA hiatus.”

Atlanta Hawks owner Tony Ressler and the Philadelphia 76ers also said they were looking into ways to assist their arena associates idled by the shut down.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Wrestling fans need to wait a while to see WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi.

An advisory on Friday confirmed the cancellation of Rikishi’s visit to the Philippines.

Solofa “Rikishi” Fatu Jr., Reno “Black Pearl” Anoa’i and James “Maverick” Rikiel, all from the famed Samoan Dynasty, were set to hold clinics and a fan meet for wrestling aficionados and aspiring wrestlers on March 15.

The press conference on March 18 at Punta Resto Bar & Events Place in Mandaluyong was also suspended but will be rescheduled.

KnokX Pro and RED Boxing International collaborated for the tour in their bid to promote the newly-formed wrestling promotion World Wrestling Asia (WWA).

WWA will host a “Road To The Philippines” show in Los Angeles, California before kicking off another Philippine tour in August.

KnokX Pro, founded by Anoa’i (CEO) and Fatu (President), has trained some of the wrestlers of today who eventually joined different promotions such as WWE, NXT and MLW.

The Samoan Dynasty is considered to have the most storied lineage in pro-wrestling history, starting from its “High Chief” Peter Maivia and The Wild Samoans – Afa and Sika Anoa’i.

Former world champions Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i, Rodney “Yokozuna” Anoa’i, the Usos (Jey and Jimmy, sons of Rikishi), the Wild Samoans and the Headshrinkers are all part of the Samoan Dynasty.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

The Philippines Football League has decided to push the start of its 2020 season to April 18 due to the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

PFL and Philippine Football Federation officials made the decision Friday in line with President Duterte’s orders to place National Capital Region under community quarantine and prohibition of mass gatherings as part of measures against the spread of the virus.

“Utmost priority must be accorded to the safety, health, and welfare of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and others who are involved in the organization of the matches,” the PFL and PFF said in a joint statement.

The PFL was supposed to start its fourth season on March 21 with six teams expected to take part in the league season.

Defending champion Ceres-Negros, Kaya-Iloilo, Stallion-Laguna, Mendiola FC 1991, Global and the Azkals Developmental Team were among the clubs that confirmed their participation.

Ceres and Kaya have spent the past two months competing in the AFC Cup against Southeast Asian teams.

The Azkals Developmental Team is scheduled to compete in the league as part of developing young talents for future age-group tournaments like the Southeast Asian Games.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Greg Slaughter once again broke his silence on social media by posting a photo of him working out with former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel teammate Chris Ellis.

Photos posted by Slaughter through Instagram showed him reuniting with Ellis at a basketball gym in the United States.

Slaughter was teammates with Ellis from his rookie year in the 2013-14 season until the latter was traded to the Blackwater Elite in the 2017 Governors’ Cup.

Ellis never played a single game for the Elite and went into a seclusion in the US. The former Slam Dunk champion did surface last year with a brief stint in Thailand.

Slaughter has been in the US since deciding to take a break from basketball at the end of Ginebra’s title victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup last January.

View this post on Instagram

x grind! #DoubleDragon

A post shared by Gregory Slaughter (@gregslaughter) on Mar 12, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT

The 7-footer had made frequent social media posts since, including a tweet where he clarified issues surrounding rumors about a possible trade.

Ginebra, however, was able to keep Slaughter’s rights after making a tender offer in late-February, though the former Rookie of the Year and one-time Best Player of the Conference winner has yet to respond.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

The ASEAN Basketball League became the latest league to suspend its season indefinitely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The league made the decision Friday after trying several options over the past weeks to continue the season despite the spread of infectious disease.

“With the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 as a global pandemic, the ABL, with the unanimous support of all its member teams, sees no other recourse but to halt competitions in its ongoing tenth season,” the ABL said in a statement.

Numerous games have been postponed since early-February, initially involving teams from Hong Kong, Macau and China, with the ABL entertaining the possibility of having matches in neutral sites.
But the sudden increase in cases around the region has forced ABL to play just one game since Feb. 23.

Last Sunday, the league postponed four more games after Singapore Slingers import Jameel McKay was placed under quarantine after it was learned that he was part of a flight where a Frenchman tested positive for COVID-19.

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas along with Hong Kong Eastern, Macau Black Bears and Taiwan’s Formosa Dreamers later called on the league to suspend the season as a preventive measure against the virus.
But the ABL said it tried to give teams time to sort out aspects that would affect them during the eventual decision to call off the games.

“This unprecedented situation demanded due diligence from the ABL’s part to ensure that the voice of all stakeholders will be heard and their needs met all teams needed ample time to sort out their contracts as they also have commitments to advertisers, venues, and broadcast partners that had to be ironed out before we reached a unified decision,” the ABL said.

“The ABL explored all options in an effort to continue to deliver top-quality basketball and entertainment to our loyal fans. The league looked at booking neutral venues where multiple teams could play some of their postponed games.

“However, the travel restrictions in the region, the quarantine requirements upon the teams’ return to their respective countries, and heeding the advice of multiple government institutions have led to the decision to suspend our season,” the league added.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

PBA star Paul Lee knows how important teamwork is in basketball.

Being the point guard of the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok and having played for the national team, Lee embraces the value of being the consummate team player — inside the playing court and off it.

It’s especially handy once he takes off his jersey and unlaces his shoes when he gets home.

With his wife Rubie, being a father to baby Tokyo isn’t really that difficult to Paul Lee.

“Okay naman kami,” Lee said, while carrying Tokyo, who points out to her mother waiting near the south gate exit of the Smart Araneta Coliseum recently. “Hindi naman mahirap basta tulong-tulong lang kami.”

How does Paul Lee manage this so-called ‘father time?’

View this post on Instagram

My everyday life‼️ “The game always gives back to people that are true to the game” #JustDoIt #Nike

A post shared by Paul Lee (@lethalweapon03) on Mar 11, 2020 at 5:03pm PDT

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As early as 4 a.m., Paul is already up and running. He needs to finish all morning routines and workouts before practice starts from 10 in the morning to 12 noon at Ronac Gym in San Juan. The rest of the day then goes to full-time parenting.

“Pag-uwi ko kailangan sa kanya (Tokyo) na ako naka-focus,” Paul said. “Kailangan ko nang tulungan ‘yung wife ko.”

View this post on Instagram

Pag naiwan yung baby sa daddy 🤣 ginawa ka ng upuan, ginawa ka pang table o patungan ng white board niya 🤣

A post shared by Paul Lee (@lethalweapon03) on Feb 7, 2020 at 2:33am PST

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In the PBA, Paul acquired the nickname “Angas ng Tondo,” growing up as the gutsy and fearless 6-foot guard from Tondo, Manila.

He calls the play, attacks the rim and shoots long range with his game-face on. He is also known for sinking clutch baskets when push comes to shove, earning another moniker: “Lee-thal Weapon.”

That is inside the court though. Off it, Paul is anything but ‘maangas,’ turning into a caring father and loving husband when he gets home.

The lively side of Paul is evident on social media, particularly on Instagram. His feed and stories are filled with photos and videos of everything under the sun – be it practice, hoops, date time and family bonding.

View this post on Instagram

Got you always baby You’re my everything ❤️ #NikeBaby #BabyTokyo

A post shared by Paul Lee (@lethalweapon03) on Feb 26, 2020 at 2:30am PST

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When the clock strikes five in the afternoon, it is time for a short stroll with little Tokyo, with Paul and Rubie touring their daughter, aboard her kiddie bike, along the streets in their neighborhood.

The 31-year-old veteran guard never fails to capture those precious moments in selfies and videos.

“Tokyo! Say hi!” Paul would say, then post numerous clips on his Instagram account @lethalweapon.

Tokyo usually responds. But sometimes she doesn’t, distracted by children playing and dogs loitering on the streets. When Tokyo gets bored of biking, she gets off and walks — with her dotting father right beside her.

“Napag-usapan na namin before na if we have time talaga, as much as possible kailangan naming ituon [‘yung time] sa kanya. [Either] going to the mall, going to the playground or maglalakad kami sa hapon.

“‘Yun ‘yung kailangan namin gawin as parents para alam mo ‘yun, [naroon] ‘yung bonding at para hindi rin siya magsawa sa loob ng bahay.”

View this post on Instagram

Yung ang ganda ng usapan niyo na ako yung ibibili ng gift kasi birthday ko na next week tapos pag dating sa mall parang na budol ako 🥺 nag end up yung batang bulilit yung may gift 🤔 tapos parang hindi pa siya tapos and may gusto pa siyang iba 🤦‍♂️ #PaulRubieTokyo‍‍

A post shared by Paul Lee (@lethalweapon03) on Feb 7, 2020 at 11:04pm PST

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Paul and Rubie have been married for three years and will toast their fourth anniversary on October 25, two weeks after they celebrate baby Tokyo’s second birthday on Oct. 8.

Chalk one up then for Team Paul Lee. Nifty assists and precision alley-oops passes abound within this growing family.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Power forward Jackson Corpuz is still testing the waters after being traded to the Magnolia Hotshots. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-4 forward got his feet wet and did not disappoint in his debut game.

Corpuz scored 16 points in 30 minutes to go with 13 rebounds and an assist in Magnolia’s losing effort to San Miguel Beer 94-78 in the Philippine Cup last Sunday.

He came off the bench and shot a remarkable 6 of 7 from the field, making a good impression as a neophyte. He downplayed his performance, however, and said winning was more important.

The 31-year-old ward admitted he’s still adjusting and figuring out his role under coach Chito Victolero.

In time, Corpuz could prove a valuable asset for the Hotshots, the same way he was part of the Columbian Dyip’s core.

“Last [time] kasi sa kabila, sa Columbian, naging isa ako sa main man nila roon,” Corpuz said.

“Dito panibagong role na naman [pero] okay naman ako.”

Magnolia acquired Corpuz in a trade that sent Aldrech Ramos to Columbian last December.

Last season, Corpuz averaged 8.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 22 minutes of play.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

The Philippines’ participation in the 2021 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers has been put on hold due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.

The national batters were scheduled to participate in the second qualifying group slated March 20 to 25 in Tuczon, Arizona when Major League Baseball decided Thursday (Friday, Philippine time) to postpone the tournament indefinitely.

“Given the impact of COVID-19 affecting many people from around the world, (World Baseball Classic) has decided that it is the best interest of everyone involved to postpone the Qualifiers set to begin tomorrow Friday March 13th through March 25th,” said a communique sent to Philippine Amateur Baseball Association President Chito Loyzaga.

“Once we determine the new dates on when the Qualifiers will be able to take place, we will make sure to notify everyone ahead of time,” it added.

PABA Secretary General Pepe Munoz said the team will be reorganized once MLB and WBC officials determine the rescheduled date of the qualifiers.

“We will reorganize the team once we know the next tournament schedule,” he said.

The Philippines will field a mixture of players who were part of the team that won the gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games and foreign-based players eligible to don the national colors under WBC rules.

Former National Football League quarterback turned Minor League Baseball player Tim Tebow is the most prominent member of the squad. Tebow is allowed to represent the Philippines since he was born in Makati City to American missionaries.

Also named in the roster were former MLB journey Chase d’Arnaud, Brady and Riley Conlan, Dominic Abbadessa, JR Bunda, Johnhill Carreon, Menelik Israel, Andrew Magno, Andre Mercurio, Peter Reyes, Mario Songco, Yuki Takayama and Devon Ramirez, who played in two WBC Qualifiers.

The homegrown players who made the lineup were Dino Altomonte, Aids Bernardo, Erwin Bosito, Pablo Luis Capati, Alfredo de Guzman, Junmar Diarao, Vladimir Eguia, Kiko Gesmundo, Romeo Jasmin, Diego Lozano, Alvaro and Paulo Macasaet, Carlos Munoz, Miguel Salud and Jerome Yenson.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Samahang Weighlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella Friday confirmed that Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz is already in Colombia for the South American-Ibero American and Open Senior’s Championship set Match 18 to 23.

“By this time she’s already there,” said Puentevella Friday in a phone interview with the Bulletin.

The  Columbia tournament serves as an Olympic qualifier and the 28-year-old Diaz, silver medalist in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, is just one short of an OQT to formalize her entry to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Diaz’s mentor Kaiwen Gao of China and strength and conditioning coach Junius Naranjo were forced to look for other OQTs after the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) cancelled the Asian Championship due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Kazakhstan was supposed to stage the event but backed out, while Uzbekistan begged off as replacement for the same reason.

By participating in Colombia, regardless of her finish, Diaz would automatically qualify to the Summer Games.

Diaz is currently at fifth spot in the 55kg women’s category with 3,717.0982 points, behind Chinese weightlifters in Jiang Huihua (4,667.8878), Liao Qiuyun (4,288.9622), Zhang Wangqiong (4,212.6639) and Li Yajun (4,099.0223).

Under the rules, however, only one weightlifter per country will advance to the Games in July, if the quadrennial sports spectacle doesn’t suffer the same fate as other canceled events around the world.

Before flying to Colombia, Diaz has been training for a month in Malaysia.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

NBA superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry say the league needs to cancel 2020 after the year of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death also saw the season shut down.

In the wake of the worldwide COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, the NBA shut down its season Wednesday with five weeks remaining in the campaign after a player contracted the virus.

The shutdown follows the deaths of former NBA commissioner David Stern on January 1, 2020 and five-time NBA champion Bryant, the retired Los Angeles Lakers legend who was killed January 26 at age 41 in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.

“Man we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020! . Damn it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe,” Lakers star James tweeted in reaction to the news of the NBA shutdown.

Man we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020! 🤦‍♂️. Damn it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 12, 2020

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As Slovenian guard Luka Doncic of Dallas tweeted: “2020 is being very bad year!! stay safe folks.”

2020 is being very bad year!! stay safe folks

— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) March 12, 2020

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Golden State Warriors star Curry, who has played in the past five NBA Finals, last week had returned from a broken left hand that had sidelined him more than four months.

“2020 aint it,” Curry tweeted. “Don’t know what to compare this situation to… just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!”

2020 aint it. Don't know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 12, 2020

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Safety issues had taken priority as area officials try to avoid mass gatherings and potential mass infections that could overwhelm hospitals, hoping to spread the outbreak over a more easily managed time frame.

“These are scary times,” Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego said.

Milwaukee owned the NBA’s best record at the shutdown at 53-12 while the Lakers led the Western Conference at 49-14 with 19 regular-season games remaining and Golden State had the NBA’s worst record at 15-50.

READ MORE: NBA to suspend games after Jazz center Rudy Gobert tests positive for COVID-19

Source: Manila Bulletin