Calvin Abueva said he simply responded to what he said was a fan’s inappropriate verbal insult.
Calvin Abueva didn’t walk away scot-free after flashing a middle finger towards a fan in Magnolia’s 87-77 loss to Ginebra in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup last Easter Sunday.
The PBA on Wednesday, April 3, meted a P20K fine against the Hotshots forward, who did the inappropriate gesture with still a minute and 51 seconds remaining in the opening quarter of the match against the Gin Kings at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The enigmatic Abueva is also suspended for one game, meaning he will sit out Magnolia’s match against NLEX on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Before handing out the penalty, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial allowed Calvin to air his side.
“Sabi nya ‘Comm napikon ako dahil minura niya (fan) ako,” Marcial told reporters during halftime of the Meralco-Terrafirma game at the Big Dome.
“Sabi ko sa kanya sa susunod sabihin mo sa referee, puntahan mo technical, puntahan mo ko, sabihin mo. At kakausapin natin 'yung fan, pwede nating palabasin.”
Marcial said Abueva acknowledged there was lapse in judgment and already apologized for his action.
“Alam nya na mali sya na ginawa nya yun. Humingi sya ng paumanhin sa nangyari,” he said.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)