PBA lifts Calvin Abueva’s suspension

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) said on Sunday that its Commissioner's Office has lifted the suspension of Calvin Abueva.

In a statement, the PBA said the suspension will allow Abueva to return to his team and play again on Monday.

“The PBA Commissioner's Office has lifted the suspension of Calvin Abueva paving the way for the Phoenix power forward to rejoin his team and play starting Monday,” the PBA said.

On Saturday, PBA said officials discussed with Abueva, Phoenix Super LPG team manager Paolo Bugia and coach Topex Robinson the guidelines on the lifting of the suspension .

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, deputy commissioner Eric Castor, and technical officer Mauro Bengua participated in the meeting.

In case Abueva commits ‘misdemeanor’ in the future, PBA said Marcial already presented fines and penalties that will be imposed. A suspension is still being considered as punishment.

“Abueva is likewise to actively participate in counselling programs,” the PBA added.

According to PBA, ‘relieved and remorseful’ Abueva apologized and thanked his family, his team, his fans, and the PBA for their continued support amid the issue.

Marcial hoped that Abueva has learned a lesson from the situation.

He also encouraged Abueva to keep his perseverance and improve himself “and be the 'Beast' who champions good manners and right conduct for himself, his family, his PBA family and the viewing public who look up to him as their hero and example.”

Abueva, who has been allowed to join his teammates in the PBA bubble, was suspended indefinitely for his clothesline hit on TNT import Terrence Jones and a verbal altercation against Ray Parks' girlfriend.

In June, PBA indefinitely  suspended Abueva over hitting Terrence Jones with a clothesline tackle during a game. PBA said it was "obviously a retaliatory act" as Jones hit him in the groin but the referees missed to call a foul.

Aside from this, Abueva was also involved in an incident with Ray Parks' girlfriend Maika Rivera. He allegedly made lewd gestures towards Rivera and called her using a sexist derogatory term. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News