Guiao fined; players next

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Fiery NLEX coach Yeng Guiao was fined P11,000 by Philippine Basketball Association officer-in-charge Willie Marcial for an obscene gesture but was cleared by the league on allegations of San Miguel Beer point guard Chris Ross that he uttered a racist remark in their Philippine Cup game on Friday night.

But that will be peanuts compared to the fines and sanctions that Marcial will levy on three players, whom he summoned to appear early afternoon on Tuesday.

Raymond Almazan of Rain or Shine and Eric Camson of Kia Picanto, who exchanged elbows and punches in an upset Kia victory last week, are likely to be slapped at least one-game suspensions, apart from being meted out fines that could go as high as P50,000 each.

Mike Miranda of NLEX, who kicked Ross in the groin during that rugged match won handily by the Beermen, will also have a conference with Marcial and, because of several infractions earlier, could also be facing a suspension and a hefty fine.

The three players were slapped Flagrant Foul 2 penalties that carry at least a P20,000 fine and were ejected.

But the Almazan-Camson scuffle was downright court hooliganism, and league sources said on Monday that the Office of the Commissioner will throw the full weight of the rule book on them.

Ross was likewise slapped a P2,600 fine for incurring two technical fouls—the second after got into a confrontation with Guiao whom he accused of uttering a racist remark.

Marcial said that they couldn’t find witnesses who could validate Ross’ claims.
The San Miguel point guard refusing to comment.

Guiao’s P11,000 fine was for flashing the dirty finger at Ross, clearly seen on television replays, and because he cursed the San Miguel point guard.

“The Office of the Commissioner finds no sufficient basis to discuss the matter of an alleged racist remark uttered by coach Guiao,” a PBA statement read.