Bolts' Official Statement on Gary David

Gary David has now officially been declared as an unrestricted reserve for the Meralco Bolts. Before that, he was slapped with a one-game suspension after he refused head coach Norman Black’s order to check in the game against the NLEX Road Warriors last 11 March.

With David serving his one-game suspension, Paolo Trillo, the Bolts' team manager, said they had to relegate him to the unprotected reserve list and activate another player in his place.

"We didn't drop Gary (David)," Trillo told CNN Philippines. "Because of his suspension, we decided to activate Rey Guevarra. Gary was placed on the reserve list (UFA) unrestricted free agent.

Trillo went on to explain that league rules only allow each team to protect one player on their reserve list. Currently, big man Rabeh Al-Hussauni is the protected player on that list.

Here's the official statement of the team"

"At a crucial point in the the game versus NLEX last Friday, with over four minutes to go in the last quarter, Meralco Head Coach Norman Black asked player Gary David to check in the game. Gary then indicated to Coach Norman that he did not want to play. After further investigation, it was clear there were no physical impediments for Gary not to enter the game.

Management finds Gary's behavior unacceptable in different levels:

1. Insubordination;
2. Lack of dedication to the team;
3. Breach of contract which states that he's obligated to play in official PBA games at all times.

In keeping with team policies, disciplinary actions will be enforced. The management has decided to suspend Gary for one game and fine him for the incident.

The Bolts still support Gary as a member of the team, but sanctions have to be imposed to maintain discipline and alignment with Meralco's team culture."