Greg Slaughter on Wednesday apologized to the PBA for what he described as ‘past miscommunications’ since playing his last game in the league in 2021.
Slaughter made this known in a lengthy statement handed out to members of the media, an apparent step that could pave the way for his comeback this season. He said that changes in circumstances have made him rethink. ‘It’s been four years since I last played for the PBA. And I’ve missed it very much. I missed playing for the fans and competing in the top-level basketball league in the Philippines,’ he said. ‘A lot can happen in four years, and in truth, so much has: life experiences, growth and maturity. I’m older now and I am now the head of a family of five. I can honestly say that my life is great, but I also must admit, something has been missing.
‘When I look back at my career in the PBA, I look back with so much gratefulness. I have nothing but gratitude for the opportunities it has given me, and the life it has afforded me and my family. It is with the same gratitude that I approach this new season in my life with humility – the humility to recognize what I did wrong, and the humility to offer my profound apologies for miscommunications in the past that caused offense to an association that has been so good to me, an association that has made my dream of playing for a Filipino premier league come true. I would specifically like to mention, Mr. Alfrancis Chua, the person responsible for getting me to play for Ginebra, a person I owe so much to. My profound gratitude to you, Sir.’ Slaughter had a contract dispute with NorthPort after the 2021 Philippine Cup and took his talents to Japan, where he played for B.League second division side Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka from 2022 to 2024. The former Barangay Ginebra star returned to the country last year and played for Manila, and this season, for Basilan in the MPBL. But Slaughter added the PBA’s opening ceremonies last Oct. 5 and made his intentions known that he wants to return. ‘I am Fil-Am, but I have never felt more Filipino than when playing for the PBA. I’ve played elsewhere but nothing compares to playing for Filipino fans. They are the best in the world. Iba pa rin ang puso ng Pinoy,’ he said.
‘It is my dream to come back, and it is my dream for my family to see me proud of playing in the homecourt. I want my wife and children to watch me play basketball in the PBA again. I want my three daughters to be proud of their father. I want them to grow up seeing me beam with pride in the PBA. To have a father who plays for the PBA is a legacy I want for my children.
‘Basketball is my favorite sport. I love it very much. It’s my life. I want to end by promising to everyone here and all the PBA fans everywhere that from here on, I will do my best and give my all in every game, and that you can all expect a more seasoned player.