PBA slaps P64,600 fine on Alaska, SMB for Game 2 antics

MANILA, Philippines – PBA commissioner Chito Salud assessed Alaska Milk assistant coach Louie Alas, three Aces and three San Miguel Beermen a total fine of P64,600 in the aftermath of the tumultuous Game Two of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Salud deferred decision on SMB staff member Edwin Cortez and Alaska utility Angelo Lorena but have instructed both not to report for Game Three.

Alas, Alaska players Calvin Abueva, Dondon Hontiveros and Vic Manuel and Beermen Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid and David Semerad were handed fines ranging from P1,000 to P20,000 for their respective offenses in the highly physical and highly emotional game marred by two flagrant infractions and three technical fouls.

Upon review of the clashes Sunday, the league commissioner upgraded to flagrant fouls the double-foul called on Hontiveros and Semerad in their collision in the third quarter Friday night.

Aside from the fines, Salud issued a stern warning to the players.

“Play within the rules, stop all these shenanigans and focus on the game,” said Salud.

Alas drew the heaviest fine of P20,000 as he’s caught physically contacting referee Rommel Gruta.

Tubid and Abueva were slapped a fine of P10,000 each for a flagrant foul and another fine of P3,000 each for flopping. Abueva drew two separate fines of P1,600 and P1,000 for a second-motion technical foul and for engaging Santos in a trash talk. Santos was also fined P1,000 for his verbal tussle with Abueva.

Hontiveros, Semerad and Manuel drew fines of P5,000 each for their own flagrant infractions.

Before Game Three, Salud said the players made a commitment just to showcase their skills.

At SMB, the management was reportedly to impose a lengthy suspension on their erring utility personnel, who has been involved in similar offenses in the past.

Cortez was seen in video hitting Abueva in an incident in front of the SMB bench.