After being summoned by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Willie Marcial last Tuesday, June 1, Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters’ forward Calvin Abueva is facing both a P70,000 fine and indefinite suspension after inappropriate behavior during two separate incidents in the past week.
Specifically, Abueva must pay P50,000 to the organization for the clothesline on Talk N’ Text KaTropa import Terrence Jones last Sunday, June 2 that resulted in being called for a flagrant foul, eventually leading the 2012 draft pick from being thrown out of the game. Another P20,000 was charged by Marcial as Abueva was also involved in a verbal altercation and flashed obscene gestures to Blackwater rookie Bobby Ray Parks Jr.’s girlfriend Maika Rivera who was sitting at the sidelines last during a 2019 Commissioner’s Cup match last Friday, May 31.
Yet, the worse punishment that Abueva must face is indefinite suspension from the league, Marcial expressing that he is no longer tolerating the player’s “offensive” and “obnoxious” behavior. The PBA statement read, “Commissioner Marcial said that he had to impose the penalty of indefinite suspension to instill discipline and maintain professionalism in the league. He said that he can no longer allow Abueva to continue with his offensive and obnoxious on-court behavior against the fans and his fellow players, which the fiery player is known for.”
It added, “Fans go to the playing venues to enjoy the games, not to be insulted or disrespected. The welfare of the fans is of utmost importance to the PBA and [Marcial] will not hesitate to impose heavy penalties on those who breach this rule, especially against women,” concluding, “[Marcial] also said that while some level of physicality is allowed during the games, violent behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in the PBA.”
The PBA strongly encouraged, “If the players have any complaints about fan behavior during the games, they can always bring it to the attention of the Office of the Commissioner who can warn the fans or even send them out of the venue.”