Abueva, Espinas dodge sanctions from PBA for playing in league in Bulacan

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud. PBA IMAGE/ Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — PBA Commissioner Chito Salud is letting Calvin Abueva and Gabby Espinas’ unauthorized appearance in a local league in Bulacan pass without sanction.

But Salud reminded the two Aces’ forwards — which also serves a reminder for the rest of players in the league — that such appearances would need consent from their respective teams, in the future.

“We would like to remind our players that they need to ask permission from their mother teams if they have invitations to play in other leagues outside of the PBA during off-season,” said Salud in a statement written in Filipino.

Abueva, following his squad’s semifinals exit in the PBA Philippine Cup earlier this month, was caught on video playing in a “ligang labas” in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. It turns out, he also tagged Espinas along.

The energetic rookie issued a letter of apology to the Commissioner’s office, saying, “I had a cousin there who invited me to play as a guest and to give entertainment to the people there.”

“I thought we could play in small leagues during off-season. Now I know that it’s not allowed and I promise it won’t happen again,” said Abueva in a letter written in Filipino.

Salud explained though, that the players are not being barred playing courtesy. Instead, he just reminded them that “they are professional players who have responsibilities to the league and the fans.”

“The main reason for this to take care of our players from injuries that could cause damage, not only to their mother ballclubs, but also to the league,” said Salud.

In a separate letter, Espinas explained that he obliged Abueva’s request to play and likewise promised it won’t happen again.

The Aces have started their build up for the import-laden PBA Commissioner’s Cup, which starts on February 8.