PHILIPPINE Basketball Association commissioner Sonny Barrios has read reports regarding Air21's plan to appeal the case of disgruntled guard Wynne Arboleda, who was banned by the league for a season for mauling a fan.

Barrios would rather wait for the documents before making any move.

"I cannot give my opinion regarding the matter because we haven't received any letter from Air21. I don't know what the content of the letter is or whether the letter deserves any merit of reconsideration," Barrios told Standard Today in a telephone interview.

Air21 team manager and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said Monday that the Express will request for Commissioner Barrios to reconsider his decision of banning the troubled cager, who mauled a heckling fan Alain Katigbak and was suspended without pay. Katigbak refused a settlement from Aroboleda and charged him with a lawsuit.

A member of the PBA board, who requested anonymity, said that Arboleda and Katigbak's settlement would be the key for the cager's possible early reinstatement into the league.

"Baka kasi mapasama pa si Commissioner kung sakaling umaksyon agad siya sa appeal and i-reinstate agad si Arboleda," said the board member. "If ever magkaayos sina Arboleda and Katigbak, at least mayroong magandang dahilan si Commissioner to reinstate Arboleda." - www.manilastandardtoday.com