NBA Official Statement Regarding the Cancelled "Gilas Last Home Stand" 5-on-5 Charity Basketball Game Gilas vs. FIBR All-Stars

Amidst the sudden cancellation of the 5-on-5 tune-up game between the Smart Gilas Pilipinas and the FIBR All Stars squad that's made up of selected NBA Players, the National Basketball Association (NBA) issued an official statement that aims to shed light on what really happened behind the camera.

The NBA said:

"Under the terms of the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are allowed to participate in offseason basketball games or exhibitions when requirements for those events are met, including ensuring that appropriate safeguards be in place, and the promoter seeks the proper exemptions from the NBA and the player’s team. The promoter of this proposed event, East-West Private LLC, was informed of this process several months ago but did not take the required steps. Filipinos are among the most passionate basketball fans in the world and we are committed to bringing them more access to our game and supporting the ongoing Typhoon Haiyan rehabilitation efforts."