Calvin Abueva. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix hopes the PBA will handle situations similar to Calvin Abueva’s case the same way should incidents of the same manner happen again in the future.
“While we do not agree with the decision, we have no alternative at the moment except to abide by it,” the statement read. “We no longer wish to comment on the basis of the decision but just expect and hope that incidents like this in the future will be treated similarly and decided the same manner regardless of the player involved.”
“This is already a decision precedent that should be used as basis in deciding similar infractions.“
Abueva, however, only had himself to blame in what had been a whirlwind last several days for the temperamental veteran.
The 31-year-old Abueva was fined P50,000 for clotheslining TNT import Terrence Jones in a blowout loss by Phoenix on Sunday and another P20,000 for making lewd gestures toward Maika Rivera, girlfriend of Blackwater guard Ray Parks, during their game on Friday.
The league also suspended Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas for two games and fined him P40,000 for “flagrant misconduct” and “issuing statements detrimental to the league.”
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the indefinite suspension on Abueva should also serve as a reminder to other players to “act as professional athletes and that unbecoming conduct or any act or statement that is prejudicial or detrimental to the PBA will be severely punished.”
TNT also got heavy fines with Jones hit with a P70,000 fine for hitting Abueva in the groin and “physically contacting an official” while twins Anthony and David Semerad were fined P20,000 each “for fighting stance.”
KaTropa consultant Mark Dickel was also fined P21,000 for disrespecting and throwing the ball at an official while assistant team manager Miguel Fernandez was fined P10,000 “for approaching the technical table.”