MANILA — Bacolod MassKara’s leading scorer Desmond Price has publicly denied any involvement in the alleged game-manipulation controversy that led to the expulsion of the Bacolod franchise from the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), insisting he played to win and urging the public to judge him based on game footage rather than speculation.
In a statement posted on social media, the Filipino-American guard firmly rejected allegations linking him to the scandal surrounding Bacolod’s controversial 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas on July 28.
“I had absolutely no involvement in or knowledge of any alleged game-fixing,” Price said. “Every time I stepped on the floor, I played to compete and to win. Anyone who watches the film can judge that for themselves. The film doesn’t lie.”
The controversial game came under intense scrutiny after Bacolod failed to score a single field goal during the final 7:48, with the closing stretch going viral online and sparking allegations of possible game manipulation.
The incident prompted separate investigations by both the MPBL and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
Price cited his own performance as evidence that he never stopped competing.
“In the game that’s been discussed, I played 25 minutes and finished with 19 points. I came into that game with one goal — to be as aggressive as possible and do everything I could to help my team win,” he said.
“Like any competitor, I was frustrated because I wanted to be on the floor competing until the final buzzer. That’s who I’ve always been, and I believe the film reflects that.”
The former Bacolod standout also clarified that, contrary to circulating reports, he was not among those sanctioned by the league through its Red Card system.
“I also want to clarify that I did not receive a red card. I respect the MPBL’s process and understand the importance of protecting the integrity of the league and the game that I love. I trust that the process will allow the facts to speak for themselves,” he said.
The MPBL last week expelled the Bacolod MassKara franchise from the remainder of the 2026 season and imposed lifetime bans on the team’s players and coaches through its Red Card system as part of its ongoing administrative investigation into the controversial match.
Price, who averaged 23.1 points in seven games this season, said he came to the Philippines to pursue his basketball career and reconnect with his Filipino heritage—not to be embroiled in controversy.
“I came to the Philippines for an opportunity to play the game I love, showcase my abilities, and connect with my heritage. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a great experience has turned into something I never expected,” he said.
“I wasn’t raised to take shortcuts or compromise my integrity. Basketball has opened doors for me that I never imagined, and I would never disrespect the game, the people who came before me, or the people who have believed in me by doing something that goes against everything I stand for.”
Price ended his statement by appealing for fairness while authorities continue their investigations.
“I ask that people look at the facts, watch the film, and judge me by how I played—not by assumptions or rumors,” he said./PN
