Calvin Abueva fined P70,000, suspended indefinitely

Calvin Abueva of the Phoenix Fuel Masters was indefinitely suspended by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and was fined P70,000.00 (P20,000.00 for engaging with a fan in a verbal altercation and for making obscene gestures, and P50,000.00 for a F2 against Terrence Jones). Abueva figured prominently in the last two games of the Fuel Masters, but on the negative side.

During the game against the Blackwater Elite last Friday, Abueva was involved in a verbal altercation with a female fan who was later identified as the girlfriend of Bobby Ray Parks of the Blackwater Elite. He was also seen on video making obscene gestures towards the female fan and her companions.

In the game against the TNT Katropa last Sunday, Abueva was called for a technical foul during the first quarter for a 2nd motion against Anthony Semerad. He was later thrown out of the game for a F2 foul after delivering a clothesline on import Terrence Jones.

The F2 foul was obviously a retaliatory act because a few seconds earlier, on the previous play, Abueva was hit in his private part by Terrence Jones which the referee failed to call.

Before the F2 was called, Abueva even asked the officials to watch his next move. When he was thrown out, he seemed to enjoy his predicament as he danced on top of the officials' table, as well as flashing the 'middle finger'.

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. 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.

No time frame for the lifting of the suspension was given as the Commissioner said that it will all depend on how and when Abueva makes an apology to those whom he has offended, and how he will henceforth reform in his ways.

The Commissioner said that the indefinite suspension of Abueva should serve as a stern warning for him and other players to act as professional athletes and that unbecoming conduct or any act or statement that is prejudicial or detrimental to the PBA will be severely punished. 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.

At the same time, Phoenix Fuel Masters Head Coach Louie Alas was suspended for (2) games and was fined P40,000 (P20,000 for his Flagrant Misconduct for physically contacting TNT's David Semerad, and P20,000 for issuing statements detrimental to the league).

Phoenix's Rob Dozier and Jason Perkins were fined P1,000 each for their technical foul for 2nd motion and verbal altercation, respectively.