MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Abueva has been suspended indefinitely by the PBA following on-court incidents he was involved in during the last two Phoenix games in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup. 

In a 103-98 win over Blackwater on May 31, the controversial forward figured in a verbal spat with Ray Parks’ girlfriend Maika Rivera and was seen on video making mastubatory gestures toward her.

Parks also claimed Abueva called Rivera a “b**ch” and flashed the dirty finger at her. (READ: Abueva defends action towards Parks’ girlfriend: ‘Ako ba nauna?’)

Abueva has since apologized to Parks, but insisted he did not start the word war and said he was just returning the favor to Rivera. (READ: Abueva says sorry to Parks, insists his girlfriend started incident)

Two days later, Abueva was involved in another hullabaloo after clotheslining import Terrence Jones in an 88-114 blowout loss to TNT. 

The hit may have stemmed from an earlier play when Abueva was hit in the groin area by Jones. 

Abueva, who was already called for a technical foul in the opening period, was ejected after he was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty 2. He broke into a dance before he left the court. 

In an attempt to instill discipline and maintain professionalism in the league, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial decided to put Abueva in an indefinite suspension. 

“He (Marcial) 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,” a statement on the PBA site read. 

“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 he will not hesitate to impose heavy penalties on those who breach this rule, especially against women.” 

“He also said that while some level of physicality is allowed during the games, violent behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in the PBA.”

Aside from the indefinite suspension, Abueva has also been fined a total of P70,000 – P50,000 for the flagrant foul penalty 2 on Jones, and P20,000 for engaging with a fan in a verbal altercation. 

Abueva’s return to the court will depend on how and when he “makes an apology to those whom he has offended, and how he will henceforth reform in his ways,” Marcial said. 

Marcial added that Abueva’s indefinite suspension should serve as a stern warning to other players that they should maintain a level of professionalism. 

Phoenix coach Louie Alas has been suspended for two games and fined a total of P40,000 – P20,000 for flagrant misconduct for physically contacting TNT’s David Semerad, and P20,000 for issuing statements detrimental to the PBA. 

Jones, meanwhile, has been fined a total of P70,000 – P50,000 for hitting Abueva in the groin area, and P20,000 for physically contacting a game official.

Referee Bing Oliva has been suspended for 10 playing days for missing to call a foul on Jones’ groin hit. 

Semerad and twin Tony have both been fined P20,000 each for fighting stance, while teammates Don Trollano and Jayson Castro have been fined P5,000 for a flagrant foul penalty 1 and P1,000 for verbal altercation, respectively. 

TNT consultant Mark Dickel has been fined a total of P21,000 – P20,000 for throwing the ball at an official and P1,000 for disrespectfully addressing an official. 

Phoenix’s Alex Mallari has been fined P5,000.00 for a flagrant foul penalty 1, while Rob Dozier and Jason Perkins have also been fined P1,000 each for a technical foul for second motion and verbal altercation, respectively. – Rappler.com