The chances of Kiefer Ravena playing in Japan have been dealt a major blow after the PBA doubled down on its stance that the star guard needs to honor his contract with NLEX.

Ravena has an existing contract with the Road Warriors when the Shiga Lakestars of the Japan B. League announced that they have signed the 27-year-old for the upcoming season.

He also inked a Uniform Players’ Contract (UPC), which bars him from playing in any other league outside the PBA.

“The board decided that Kiefer has to honor his contract with NLEX and the PBA. That is where we are,” said PBA chairman Ricky Vargas in a virtual press conference on Saturday, June 5.

Vargas said the PBA will immediately inform the B. League of its decision.

Right after the Lakestars announced the signing of Ravena on Wednesday, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that the NLEX ace is “not allowed” to see action in Japan due to his live contract and the UPC.

Marcial sat down with the PBA board of governors to discuss the matter and came up with a decision on Saturday.

“The board, in all its wisdom, we looked at the possible scenarios and the risks of these scenarios and came up with this decision that it is best to follow strictly the policy of not breaking contracts,” Vargas said.

“We felt there were more negatives if we allow such to happen.”

“I know for the fans of Kiefer, this is a letdown. But after looking at everything, the board decided that the PBA has to be protected,” Vargas said. “We thought that it is best to do this at the moment.” – Rappler.com