PBA fines Maierhofer P20K for shoe block

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Office announced on Friday, May 29, that they have fined Barako Bull forward Rico Maierhofer P20,000 for using his shoe on a defensive play during Barako’s game against the San Miguel Beermen this past Wednesday. 

Maierhofer, who lost his right shoe after converting a layup in the second quarter, ran down on defense with his footwear in hand and used it to block a shot attempt by Alaska forward Gabby Espinas. The play later on made rounds on Bleacher Report.

San Miguel won the contest, 116-111. 

“Present game rules are broad enough to cover the act of Rico Maierhofer. While not among those acts specifically prohibited by existing rules, said act can be considered to be in breach of the general conduct of games,” the PBA said in a statement.

“Hence, it can be classified as a technical foul for using a foreign object as an aid in performing an offensive or defensive move.” 

(WATCH: Barako’s Maierhofer uses shoe for block attempt)

The Commissioner’s Office deemed the act as disrespectful to the game of basketball. 

“More importantly, it is viewed by this Office as blatant misconduct that disrespects/mocks the game and unprofessional in nature. Mr. Maierhofer is hereby fined the amount of twenty thousand pesos (P 20,000.00).” 

After the fine was announced, Maierhofer issued a public apology through his Twitter account. 

“As a pro player, dapat professional din an actions, kaya i promise na di na mauulit ang misconduct action na ginawa ko,” he tweeted.

(As a pro player, my actions should be professional, which is why I promise the incident won’t happen again.) 

– Rappler.com