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Barranquilla Titans Suspended: Shocking News in Colombian Basketball
| Headline | Details |
|---|---|
| Shocking News | The Barranquilla Titans, nine-time champions of the Basketball Professional League, have been sanctioned by the Disciplinary Commission of the Colombian Basketball Federation (FCB) with a two-year suspension of their affiliation rights and a fine equivalent to two current monthly legal minimum wages. This penalty was imposed for their absence from the Betplay League 2024 II without just cause, according to the FCB. |
| Team Reaction | Alberto Caparroso, shareholder and president of Titans, expressed frustration and announced plans to challenge the decision in ordinary justice with the advice of renowned lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella. |
| Other Affected Teams | Cartagena Corsarios and Bucaramanga Búcaros were also sanctioned with a two-year ban for the same reasons. The Condinamarca Condors had previously been affected and these four teams share a common action, having signed a letter presenting a series of criticisms against the professional basketball division (DPB) headed by John Mario Tejada. |
| Timeline of Events | The disciplinary investigation began after Titans did not participate in the 2024-II Professional League tournament, held from October 5 to December 17, 2024. The FCB deemed that the club breached its obligation to compete without providing a valid justification within the stipulated time. |
| Financial Justification and Legal Stance | Titans’ legal team argued financial issues as the primary reason. However, the FCB ruled that the team did not provide sufficient evidence to support this claim, emphasizing that financial stability is a requirement for participating in professional tournaments. The FCB further stated that teams must secure their economic commitments in advance. |
| Implications of the Suspension | The two-year suspension means Titans are disqualified from participating in all tournaments organized by the Colombian Basketball Federation, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The commission dismissed the club’s justification about the lack of sports recognition during the tournament period, stating it constitutes another disciplinary absence, not an exemption. |
| Appeal Process | Barranquilla Titans can appeal before the General Disciplinary Commission of the FCB or before the Federation Administration Body. However, Caparroso indicated his intention to rely on ordinary justice to challenge the decision. |
| Precedent and Future Uncertainty | The sanction marks a precedent in Colombian basketball, as no team had ever been punished in this manner. The future of Titans, a team with nine championships, is now uncertain, and Colombian basketball continues with the 2025 Season but with a notable absence on the court. The domestic basketball market continues with the absence of Titans from local events and leagues in the Colombian sporting scene. |