Jassel Pérez speaks out and apologizes after being left off the national team

Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Basketball Federation (Fedombal) confirmed the separation of guard Jassel Pérez from the men's national team, after the player did not show up for training before the game against Mexico, corresponding to the qualifying window for the FIBA World Cup 2027.

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In an official statement, the organization explained that the measure responded to "acts of indiscipline", considered a serious breach of the standards of responsibility and commitment required within the national team. The player's unjustified absence on Sunday, the day before the match, was classified as a direct breach of the coaching staff, the management, his teammates and the country.

Pérez Takes Responsibility and Expresses Regret

Hours after the decision was made public, Jassel Pérez issued a letter through his social media in which he expressed his "pain and helplessness" for not having been with the Dominican team in the match against Mexico. The guard acknowledged that his absence impacted the group and took responsibility for what happened.

"Not only do I feel that I failed my teammates, management, the fans and my family, I also feel that I failed myself," wrote the player, recalling that days before he was part of the Dominican victory over the Mexican team itself. The 24-year-old athlete described watching the match from home as "heartbreaking," aware that the situation "could have been different." He also stated that wearing the tricolor jersey is "the greatest thing" that has happened to him as an athlete.

Reflection and commitment to the future

Pérez assured that this episode will drive him to continue growing "as a person, as an athlete and as a social entity with responsibility towards so many children in the country." He thanked the fans for their support and reiterated his love for the Dominican flag. With experience in the NBA G-League, the guard currently plays in the second division of Spanish basketball. In addition, he comes from conquering for the second consecutive year the National Basketball League (LNB) with the Titans of the District, representing his native San Cristóbal.