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Tag: Nick Demusis

  • Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis is set to make his return to the PBA after Blackwater brought in the veteran forward for the remainder of Season 50, adding him to the Bossing roster ahead of the third conference Governors’ Cup.


    The 6-foot forward was officially welcomed into the Blackwater organization on Monday by team manager Johnson Martinez as the franchise looks to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming conference.

     

    Demusis’ arrival comes as Blackwater continues to make adjustments to its roster, with the team parting ways with veteran big man Bradwyn Guinto and third-year center Clifford Jopia. 

     

    There are also discussions surrounding a possible trade involving Christian David.

     

    The comeback marks Demusis’ return to competitive basketball after his stint with the Zamboanga Valientes in the Dubai International Basketball Invitational Tournament. 

     

    His overseas campaign gained attention after an incident involving Ismael Romero during a game against Al Ahli Tripoli, where Demusis was attacked. 

     

    The incident later led Demusis and the Valientes to file a complaint against Romero, affecting Romero’s chances of securing a contract as Meralco’s import for the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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    Before his international stint, Demusis built his reputation as a dependable forward in the local basketball scene. His performances helped him become recognized as a versatile player, eventually earning him a place in the PBA Draft.

     

    The Filipino-American forward was selected 18th overall by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the 2021 PBA Draft. 

     

    After spending a season with Phoenix, Demusis was later included in a trade package that sent him and two future second-round draft picks to Rain or Shine in exchange for Javee Mocon.

     

    With the Elasto Painters, Demusis developed a reputation as an energetic contributor who provided effort on both ends of the floor. 

     

    During the 2022–23 season, he posted one of his more productive campaigns, averaging 5.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while giving Rain or Shine added depth in the frontcourt.

     

    His final PBA appearance came with Rain or Shine in Season 49, where he averaged 2.4 points per game before his contract expired in 2025 and was not renewed. 

     

    Now, the move to Blackwater gives Demusis another opportunity to revive his PBA career and provide veteran presence as the Bossing enter a new phase of their campaign.

     

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  • Nick Demusis’ wife disputes apology claim, says Romero never made amends after Dubai incident

    Nick Demusis’ wife disputes apology claim, says Romero never made amends after Dubai incident

    The fallout from the Dubai altercation involving Nick Demusis and former Meralco import Ismael Romero took another turn on Monday after the Fil-American player’s camp disputed claims that the issue had already been settled.

     

    Demusis’ wife, Rizza Diaz, broke her silence through a lengthy social media post, insisting that Romero never apologized to her husband — contradicting earlier remarks from Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.

     

    The clarification came a day after reports surfaced that Meralco had decided to move on from Romero as its import for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    “I am making this statement to provide clarification after Trillo declared in a radio show that Romero already apologized to Demusis in Dubai and that the information was unreported in the media,” Diaz wrote.

     

    “This is not the case,” she added.

     

    According to Diaz, the only interaction between Romero and Demusis happened inside a Dubai police headquarters after the Zamboanga Valientes guard filed a complaint stemming from the incident.

     

    During that meeting, Demusis sought both an apology and compensation for medical expenses as well as the games he missed while recovering from the injuries he sustained.

     

     

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    Diaz claimed that while a verbal settlement had been discussed, Romero failed to follow through.

     

    She said a face-to-face meeting was scheduled later that night at a hotel in Dubai, but Romero allegedly left the country for Manila before it could happen. 

     

    Another attempt to arrange a meeting in the Philippines with the help of Meralco officials also fell through after Romero departed again, this time for Puerto Rico.

     

    “It was clear deception on his part and [he] left us hanging,” Diaz said.

     

    “When Romero left the Philippines, we just took it as it was: we saw it coming. However, I believe it would be an injustice to claim that Romero has already apologized to my husband.”

     

    Until recently, the Meralco organization had largely remained silent regarding the controversy surrounding its former import.

     

    The only public comment addressing the situation came from Trillo during an appearance on the Power & Play podcast hosted by Noli Eala, where he suggested that Romero had already expressed remorse.

     

    That claim, Diaz said, was the reason she felt compelled to speak up.

     

    “This is me speaking up this one time to set the record straight,” Diaz wrote.

     

    “This is me protecting my husband. This is me speaking the truth on his behalf, and that’s all we can do.”

     

    The situation gained renewed attention after Meralco officially replaced Romero with Marvin Jones as the team’s reinforcement for the Commissioner’s Cup, closing one chapter of the controversy while leaving questions about the unresolved dispute lingering.

     

     

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  • Francisco Rivero confirms GAB investigation into Israel Romero Fernandez’s attack on Nick Demusis

    Francisco Rivero confirms GAB investigation into Israel Romero Fernandez’s attack on Nick Demusis

    Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez has found himself at the center of controversy following a shocking on-court incident during the Dubai International Basketball Invitational.

     

    The Cuban-Puerto Rican forward was caught on video kicking Zamboanga Valientes guard Nick Demusis twice after a collision during their January 28 matchup. The footage quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread criticism and raising serious questions about sportsmanship and accountability in international competition.

     

    Romero Fernandez’s actions prompted immediate reaction from the Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB). Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivero confirmed that the agency’s sports division has launched an investigation into the incident.

     

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    “All our professional athletes are bound by the code of ethics, one of the provisions of which is for them to respect their fellow players. And respect could mean not to inflict physical injuries on your fellow player,” Rivero said during a media interaction.

     

    “If this is proven that there is an infraction, then we can discipline the players and disciplining the players could mean suspension or if the offense is grave enough – revocation of license,” he added.

     

    Rivero explained that the GAB maintains jurisdiction over licensed players even if incidents occur overseas.

     

    “The principle of territoriality will not apply here because, the person is under our jurisdiction, so they have a license with us. So, regardless of the place of the commission of the offense, we have a say on that – of course, that’s subject to us knowing the facts,” Rivera continued.

    However, the GAB intends to allow the league to act first. Rivero said the board will wait for the PBA’s recommendation and evaluation before imposing any sanctions.

     

    “If this is already brought to their attention, then the expectation is that they will impose disciplinary sanction on players. They have done that in the past, they suspend players, they ban players. They should have the first crack.

     

    “League pa rin dapat ang unang mag-decide. Number one, that player has a contract with the team, and the team has a contract with the league and it has provisions regarding the discipline of the players.

     

    “But of course, it will not prevent us from looking into the case. At present, we are not informed of the facts. Para kasi kaming appellate court, mauuna muna yung trial court for the trial court to gather all the facts para pagdating sa amin, kumpleto. Right now, we are doing our own diligence and investigation,” Rivera concluded.

     

    The Zamboanga Valientes have since filed a police complaint in Dubai, signaling their intent to pursue formal action over the incident. As of this writing, Romero Fernandez has yet to issue a public statement or apology, further intensifying scrutiny from fans, coaches, and analysts.

     

    The controversy comes at a crucial time, with the East Asia Super League (EASL) set for its next slate of games. Attention now turns to whether Romero Fernandez will face disciplinary action from the leagues involved—and whether the Meralco Bolts will field him in their upcoming EASL assignment.

     

    Beyond the immediate fallout, the episode has reignited discussions about player conduct, league governance, and the responsibilities carried by imports competing in professional basketball. As international tournaments continue to grow in prominence for Filipino teams and players, the incident underscores the importance of upholding strict codes of conduct and safeguarding player welfare.

     

    For Demusis, the priority is recovery after what could have been a far more serious situation. For the broader basketball community, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between competitive intensity and unacceptable behavior on the court.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

    Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

    Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez has found himself at the center of controversy after a shocking on-court incident during the Dubai International Basketball Invitational. The Cuban-Puerto Rican forward was captured on video assaulting Zamboanga Valientes’ Nick Demusis, kicking him twice following a collision during the game. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and raised serious questions about sportsmanship and disciplinary action in international basketball competitions.

     

    The incident occurred on January 28, with Romero Fernandez representing Al Ahli Tripoli, and it quickly drew the ire of the basketball community—not least Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao. Guiao, known for his passionate defense of players, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Romero Fernandez’s actions were inexcusable and should have consequences.

     

    “The Romero-Demusis incident would have been a lot more complicated if Nick was playing for Rain or Shine when the incident happened. Hindi sya matitiis ng teammates n’ya na gawin sa kanya ng opposing player ang ganun bagay,” Guiao said in a media interaction.

     

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    Guiao’s reaction is understandable given the strong bond between Demusis and his former Rain or Shine teammates. The 34-year-old guard spent three years with the Elasto Painters after being acquired from the Phoenix Fuel Masters as part of the Javee Mocon trade, forging close ties with the team and building a reputation as a reliable leader on and off the court.

    “Understandably, Rain or Shine is more invested in our relationship with Nick than the Zamboanga Valientes were, considering the time he spent with us and his closeness to his teammates. Sure glad we did not have to go through the experience with Nick. Saved us a lot of trouble, probably Romero, too,” Guiao added.

     

    The controversy has sparked further discussion in the basketball community, particularly as the East Asia Super League (EASL) prepares for its next slate of games. Guiao expressed concerns over whether Romero Fernandez should be allowed to participate in Meralco Bolts’ upcoming game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, given his recent behavior. Many fans and observers have echoed the sentiment that such actions should not go unpunished, especially in high-level competitions where professionalism and discipline are paramount.

     

    Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes have pursued formal action by filing a police complaint in Dubai, demonstrating their commitment to holding players accountable for dangerous conduct. Surprisingly, Romero Fernandez has yet to issue a statement or apology regarding the incident, a silence that has only intensified scrutiny from fans, coaches, and sports analysts alike.

     

    The fallout from the incident has reignited conversations about player conduct, league regulations, and the responsibility of imports in professional basketball. With international tournaments becoming increasingly prominent for Filipino players and teams, incidents like this highlight the importance of enforcing strict codes of conduct and ensuring the safety of all participants on the court.

     

    As basketball authorities assess the situation, attention now turns to whether Romero Fernandez will face any disciplinary measures from the leagues he participates in, and whether the Meralco Bolts will allow him to take the court in their upcoming EASL matchup. For Demusis, the focus remains on recovery and moving forward from what could have been a career-altering incident, while for the basketball community, the Romero Fernandez episode serves as a reminder of the thin line between competitive aggression and unacceptable violence in professional sports.

     

     

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  • Zamboanga Valientes take legal route after Nick Demusis assault in Dubai Invitational

    Zamboanga Valientes take legal route after Nick Demusis assault in Dubai Invitational

    What unfolded on the hardwood in Dubai has now spilled beyond basketball.

     

    MLV-Zamboanga Valientes have elevated the incident involving forward Nick Demusis and Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez from an on-court altercation to a legal matter, filing a formal police complaint in Dubai following what team officials describe as a clear act of assault during a Dubai International Basketball Invitational game.

     

    Valientes head coach RJ Argamino confirmed that team officials personally accompanied Demusis to a Dubai police station after the second-quarter incident in Al Ahli’s 110-103 victory early Wednesday. The decision, Argamino said, reflects the organization’s commitment to accountability—both within the sport and under local law.

     

    In the aftermath, accusations surfaced online suggesting the Valientes failed to protect Demusis during the attack. Argamino firmly rejected that narrative, explaining that the team had been repeatedly reminded to comply strictly with United Arab Emirates laws governing public conduct.

     

    “Hindi namin iniwan sa ere si Nick. Masyado mabilis pangyayari. And besides, I commend my players and the whole team for taking the high road,” Argamino said.

     

    He added that the suddenness of the incident left little time for intervention, describing how other players were either turned away or engaged elsewhere when Romero Fernandez struck.

     

    “If you look at the situation, Sam (Deguara) also turned his back to defend, Malik (Diouf) was talking to Dennis (Santos) when Romero suddenly attacked Nick, who was then down on the floor. And you saw Terrence (Romeo) approaching,” he said. 

     

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    Rather than escalate the situation, Argamino revealed that Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro commended the squad for choosing restraint—even after Romero Fernandez allegedly delivered what was described as a “football kick” to Demusis’ head.

     

    That restraint, however, does not mean the team intends to let the matter pass quietly.

    Argamino confirmed that he is now coordinating with the United Arab Emirates Basketball Association to push for disciplinary action against Romero Fernandez, emphasizing that the incident crossed far beyond the boundaries of physical play.

     

    “That was a clear assault. And it against the criminal laws of UAE. We hope Romero will realize the repercussions of his action. Ulo tinamaan si Nick. Football kick ang ginawa nya, nakahiga na yung tao,” he said.

     

    “We hope there will be sanctions and punishments. What he did was totally unsportsmanlike and uncalled for,” he added.

     

    Argamino also underscored the personal dimension of the incident, pointing out the troubling irony of a Filipino player being attacked by someone playing professionally in the Philippines.

    “Gagawin namin yun. Naglalaro siya para sa isang team sa Pilipinas tapos gagawin nya yun sa isang Pinoy. There was really a bad intention. Twice na nya sinipa, aatakihin nya pa ulit,” he said.

    Support for the Valientes’ legal move has come from Demusis’ family, with his wife, television host Rizza Diaz, condemning the assault that played out before a live audience.

     

    “Ang tagal ko na nagco-cover ng basketball wala akong nakitang ganun. Grabe yung ginawa nya kay Nick. And he did that on live TV and in front of a hundreds of fans in the venue,” she said.

    As investigations move forward, the incident stands as a reminder that while tempers may flare in competition, actions—especially on an international stage—carry consequences far beyond the final score.

     

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