MANILA – Kiefer Ravena is banned from playing in any basketball league for a year and a half, including the Philippine Basketball Association, two Philippine basketball officials have confirmed.
FIBA found in tests that the Ilonggo basketball rookie took three banned substances – in violation of the international body’s anti-doping policy – and banned him for 18 months.
The prohibition covers all basketball games, whether FIBA-sanctioned or not, including his stint with NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA, said Gilas Pilipinas head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes.
“Wala na, that (appeal) has already been denied,” Reyes told ESPN 5. “[The] FIBA ban on Kiefer Ravena covers all basketball leagues, whether under the FIBA or not.”
The FIBA decision renders Ravena ineligible to play from Feb. 25 this year to Aug. 24 next year.
Due to this Ravena was forced to miss the Visayas leg of the PBA All-Star Week in Iloilo City on Sunday and the Road Warriors’ game against Blackwater Elite in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night – PBA being a FIBA-sanctioned league.
The three substances found in Ravena – which he said he got from a pre-workout drink – were in the World Anti-Doping Agency List of Prohibited Substances.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed Thursday afternoon FIBA’s verdict.
“FIBA’s final answer is Kiefer (Ravena) is not allowed to play in any league, including the PBA,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.
“No basketball-related activities for Kiefer, except for activities that are related to anti-doping,” he added.
Ravena was dejected by the rejection of his appeal to allow him to play for Road Warriors but will continue his personal conditioning.
“With respect to what the rules said, all forms of leagues and activities. So, you know, practice might be iffy and it might reach FIBA, tapos mapahaba pa. Trying to be careful right now but I’m still supporting the team,” Ravena said.
“For now, individual workouts and go to practice every now and then. I also want to make my teammates feel na ’di lang ako iyong may laban, sila din may pinagdadaan, which is the conference.
“We won (against Blackwater), so I’m happy that I was able to watch the team play. I’m happy for them.
“I’m still part of the NLEX Road Warriors. I may not be out there but I’ll be there every step of the way just as they are with me.”/PN
