PBA commissioner warns Calvin Abueva of possible ban for discriminatory act
February 7, 2024 | 8:54pm
MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial on Wednesday said he warned Magnolia Hotshots forward Calvin Abueva of a possible ban if he pulls off another discriminatory antic or gesture.
Abueva was earlier fined P100,000 after making a gesture mocking the disability of San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent. Gallent is wearing an artificial eye after he lost his right eye in an accident back in 1988.
“I talked to [Abueva]. I told him, Calvin, keep your attitude in check. I banned you before because of your gestures and what you were doing,” Marcial told reporters in Filipino before the Game 3 clash between Magnolia and San Miguel Wednesday evening.
“I am fine with your on-court demeanor, but the discrimination, the antics and gestures… I might ban or suspend you again,” he added.
Abueva was slapped with an indefinite suspension back in 2019 after hitting former TNT import Terrence Jones. The forward was also suspended for supposedly doing obscene gestures to the girlfriend of Ray Parks. He was only reinstated back in October 2020 after 16 months.
“He told me, ‘Comm, comm, it will not happen again.’ I just told him to remember that,” Marcial said.
One Sports posted a video on its Facebook page showing Abueva approaching Gallent ahead of Game 3. The two hugged and exchanged kisses and words.
Currently, Magnolia is holding a slim lead at the half of Game 3, 42-39.
