For using shoe to block shot, Maierhofer summoned by PBA

RICO Maierhoffer of Barako Bull finds good use for his shoe, using it to thwart an attempt by San Miguel Beer’s Gabby Espinas. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Rico Maierhofer’s “shoe-palpal” antic has definitely caught the world’s attention, PBA commissioner Chito Salud included.

The Barako Bull beanpole has been summoned by the Office of the Commissioner to explain his side after he tried to block Gabby Espinas’ shot midway in the second quarter using his shoe during their game against San Miguel on Wednesday.

BACKSTORY: Maierhofer: Trying to block ball with shoe ‘smart’ move, not embarrassing

Maierhofer is expected to appear before Salud on Friday at 1 p.m.

Officials believe that the referees could have called Maierhofer a technical foul because he used his right shoe, which he lost on the previous play, to reject Espinas’ shot.

The unique exchange has exposed a flaw in the PBA rule book as there are no existing provisions that cover the use of a foreign object, in this case, a shoe.