Calvin Abueva fined ₱100,000 for mocking SMB coach
Calvin Abueva escaped potential suspension but was still fined ₱100,000 for his behavior during Game 2 of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday.
The controversial forward was involved in multiple infractions during Magnolia’s 109-85 loss. First, he had a verbal altercation with San Miguel head coach Jorge Gallent. Later, he had a shouting match with Mo Tautuaa’s wife in the hallway of the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Commissioner’s Office said Abueva’s fine was for mocking coach Gallent’s visual disability, caught on the venue’s jumbotron after their heated exchange at the 9:52 mark of the final quarter.
The second-year San Miguel coach has been left blind in his right eye following a motorcycle accident in 1988 and is using an artificial one.
League rules state that “any person who offends the dignity of any person on account of ‘physical disability’ shall be subject to a fine not lower than ₱100,000.”
Surprisingly, no punishment was given after Abueva and his wife confronted Tautuaa’s wife in the hallway. She had accused Abueva of disrespecting her as she was leaving the venue.
Abueva and Tautuaa met with Commissioner Willie Marcial, who gave them time to talk things through.
“Abueva apologized to the PBA and to Tautuaa and his wife. Nagkausap at nagkaayos na sila,” said Marcial, warning both that harsher penalties await if this happens again.
Abueva also told Marcial he apologized to coach Gallent who readily accepted.