Ross fined for ‘detrimental’ comment; Refs, barker suspended for blunder

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

On the heels of the controversial fracas late in the Ginebra-San Miguel last Sunday, the has PBA suspended all four referees officiating the game and two table officials.

Beermen guard Chris Ross was also fined a total of P25,800 for his action late in the duel— P20,000 fine for issuing statements detrimental to the league, and P5,800 for the two technical fouls he incurred in the game.

Referee Jerry Borja, the calling official who is responsible for knowing the designated shooter, was handed a three-week suspension, while fellow umpires Noy Guevarra, who was the one who handed the ball to Chris Ross for the free throw, crew chief Jimmy Mariano and fourth official Mardy Montoya were also suspended for a week.

Book scorer Lito Mendegoria and barker Noel Zarate also weren’t spared as they will serve a week of suspension for their participation in the confusion.

Controversy marred the tussle etween the two powerhouse teams when, with Ginebra leading 98-95, Borja gave the ball to Ross to take the free throw attempt with 4.5 seconds remaining — a shot that was supposed to be for teammate Chico Lanete, who was fouled on the prior rebound play.

Zarate even announced that Ross was taking the shot before the Beermen sued for time and before the mistake was pointed out.

The infraction led to LA Tenorio’s technical freebie that  iced the Gin Kings’ 100-96 victory.

Troy Rosario was also slapped with a P5,000 fine for a landing spot foul in TNT’s game against Magnolia last Saturday.

Lee sprained his left ankle after the foul, but the Hotshots were still able to hold on to the 91-83 win over the KaTropa.