MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix hopes the PBA follows precedent in the future after suspending Calvin Abueva indefinitely following two on-court incidents he was involved in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup. 

Abueva figured in a verbal spat with Ray Parks’ girlfriend Maika Rivera and made obscene gestures towards her in a 103-98 win over Blackwater on May 31. 

Two days later, the controversial forward was involved in another altercation as he clotheslined import Terrence Jones in an 88-114 loss to TNT – a game he was eventually ejected for a flagrant foul penalty 2.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial deemed it necessary to crack the whip on Abueva – who was also fined a total of P70,000 – to “instill discipline and maintain professionalism in the league.” 

Although the Fuel Masters admitted they do not agree with the decision, they said in a statement they have no choice but to abide by it. 

“We no longer wish to comment on the basis of the decision but just expect and hope that incidents like this in the future will be treated similarly and decided the same manner regardless of the player involved,” the team said. 

“This is already a decision precedent that should be used as basis in deciding similar infractions.” 

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

Aside from Abueva, the team will miss the services of coach Louie Alas, who has been suspended for two games and fined a total of P40,000 for flagrant misconduct and for issuing statements detrimental to the league. 

Phoenix, which carries a 1-1 record, faces Meralco at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, June 7. – Rappler.com