NLEX parts ways with Robinson, taps new import Stokley Chaffee
At A Glance
- NLEX has parted ways with its very talented but eccentric import Thomas Robinson and tapped the services of young big man Stokley Chaffee Jr., the team announced on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
NLEX has parted ways with its very talented but eccentric import Thomas Robinson and tapped the services of young big man Stokley Chaffee Jr., the team announced on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

The Road Warriors said Robinson skipped practices and took a vacation without informing the team, leaving the management with no other recourse but to hand him the pink slip despite leading NLEX to a 2-2 record.
“Thomas Robinson’s departure from the NLEX Road Warriors was a difficult but necessary decision. We value discipline, commitment, and teamwork, and unfortunately, him taking an unplanned vacation, and skipping team practices, compromised these principles,” said team manager Larry Fonacier in a statement.
“The team’s success depends on a collective effort and a shared commitment, and we will continue to uphold these standards as we forge ahead in the season,” he added.
Robinson’s firing also came days after he figured in a verbal altercation with NorthPort governor Erick Arejola and team manager Pido Jarencio after the Road Warriors’ 112-104 victory over the Batang Pier.
Tasked to fill in the role of the NBA veteran was 26-year-old Chaffee Jr. who played for two years in Cyprus and another two-year stint in Finland.
Chaffee already arrived in Manila and is set to have his baptism of fire in the PBA against the league-leading Magnolia on Friday, Dec. 1.
“I’m really happy and excited. It’s something new for me. I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but rather high expectations. There are expectations from me not only on the court but also off the court, and, obviously, to win. I hope I can meet those expectations,” he added.