The Philippine Basketball Association sanctioned the 35-year-old Calvin Abueva with one-game suspension plus a Php10, 000.00 fine for his “unsportsmanlike conduct” during the Sunday night game between Magnolia and Ginebra at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The six-foot-three forward was penalized on Tuesday following two technical fouls for his antics on John Pinto, the second of which became a “hot issue” overnight, in which he bumped into Pinto after he was whistled for a foul with 9:15 left in the game.
When he was ejected from the court, Abueva quickly changed clothes upon returning to the dugout and swiftly headed for the exits but not without him, being overheard shouting “Japan! Japan! Bye PBA!”
He then took into Instagram his protest about the second technical foul, saying, “Bigyan ako ng malinis na video kung meron o wala. Kung meron man, aalis ako sa Magnolia kung mali ang tawag na yun (Give me a clean video to see if I did something wrong or not. If I did, I will leave Magnolia if I did wrong).”
Abueva has since deleted the post but not without some keen followers taking a screen capture of his rant.
Previously, Abueva had already been warned for unsportsmanlike conduct during the previous season, and that similar offense would result in suspension.
Abueva has been far from the usual in their last two games. He averaged just 6.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in their meetings with San Miguel and Ginebra.
That, after norming 16.0 markers and 12.3 boards in their first 3 games, including a 23-point, 12-rebound outing versus NorthPort last Wednesday.
Upon assessment, the penalties have been meted.
Abueva will serve his ban on Friday when the Hotshots battle the Phoenix Fuel Masters also at the MOA Arena.