Phoenix suspended head coach Louie Alas and barred him from attending team practices after he violated health protocols implemented by the PBA.

The suspension started on August 27 and will last for 15 days.

As reported by Gerry Ramos of Spin.ph, Alas’ violations include entering the court during decontamination and during the scheduled time of another batch of players.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the PBA – as approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force – ordered its member teams to have only 6 persons (4 players, 1 coach or 1 trainer, and 1 safety officer) on the court.

Alas said the violations were “unintentional.”

“[I’m] sad because I will wait 15 more days after waiting for almost 6 months,” he said, referring to the span the Fuel Masters stopped practicing together due to the pandemic.

But Alas was quick to look at the silver lining of his suspension.

“I’m positive because I know the protocols will work since the implementation of the PBA and IATF protocols is strict,” Alas said.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, having found out of Alas’ suspension on social media, lauded Phoenix for its decision.

“What is good with our teams like Phoenix is it is not just the PBA that polices their ranks,” Marcial said. – Rappler.com