Beast unleashed: Abueva returns to play today

Inside the bubble

CLARK, Pampanga, Philippines — “The Beast” has been unchained, at last, after 508 long days.

The PBA yesterday lifted its indefinite suspension on Calvin Abueva, setting the stage for the enigmatic Phoenix forward’s return to hardcourt action after 16 months – the longest penalty in recent memory.

Abueva makes his PBA comeback as the Fuel Masters tangle with the NLEX Road Warriors at 4 p.m. today.

“Nili-lift ko na ang suspension ni Calvin. Reinstated na sya. Makakapaglaro na siya,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

The amiable league chief personally met with Abueva, Phoenix coach Topex Robinson and team manager Paolo Bugia to share the good news as early as Saturday before formalizing the decision yesterday morning.

“We’re very happy for Calvin. The team is very excited that Calvin is given a second chance to prove himself. And we have PBA Commissioner Marcial and GAB Chairman Baham Mitra to thank for that,” Bugia said.

Back on June 4, 2019, the 32-year-old star was whipped with the harsh sanction plus P70, 000 fine following a series of incidents against former TNT import Terrence Jones and the girlfriend of Ray Ray Parks.

But a lot has changed since then with the national team veteran fulfilling the necessary requirements on and off the court.