PBA: Jamaal Franklin summoned for confronting referees

Converge import Jamaal Franklin. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–The PBA is set to summon import Jamaal Franklin for his outburst at league officials following Converge’s 106-103 loss to Phoenix in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday.

Franklin approached the referees’ table to voice his displeasure at a pair of contested three-pointers which he felt should have been called for a foul in the dying seconds of the match held at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It took coach Aldin Ayo and other members of the FiberXers staff to separate Franklin from referees and other league officials that included PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

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He was obviously not in a good mood when reporters asked about the non-calls.

“What do you think about it?” he said. “If you would tell me what you think about, then I’d be cool with that.”

Converge suffered defeat despite leading by 12 points in the third as Franklin failed to convert on two rainbow shots.

NO OT THIS TIME.

WATCH: Jamaal Franklin misses the potential game-tying triple to give Phoenix the win, 106-103. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/lDGhED3a8i

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 26, 2023

One saw Franklin getting blocked by Phoenix’s Simon Camacho for a go-ahead triple, but the latter’s hand appeared to have hit the Converge reinforcement as the ball was being released.

The other had Franklin go for a running three for the tie against Phoenix counterpart Du’Vaughn Maxwell that missed as time expired.

“We lost, they won,” he said. “If we had won that game, I believe we would have been second [in the standings]. It sucks.”