PBA: Cariaso fined undisclosed amount for preseason incident

Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso was fined an undisclosed amount by the Philippine Basketball Association for his actions during last week’s tune-up game against Converge.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said Cariaso apologized after he was summoned Monday to explain the incident that saw him enter the court and grab Converge’s Aljun Melecio to contest a non-call on the other end.

Marcial didn’t reveal the exact amount, but Cariaso was said to be very remorseful.

The three officials who worked the game were suspended after it was deemed that Jeo Ambohot should have been whistled for a foul while challenging Blackwater’s Tyrus Hill.

The incident happened during the third quarter of the exhibition held at Ronac Art Center as part of both teams’ preparation for the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup.

Usually mild-mannered, Cariaso surprisingly charged the court to protest the missed call, perhaps in an attempt to prove a point.

But Cariaso’s move didn’t sit well with Converge, which tried to confront its former mentor.