PBA fines Calvin Abueva P20k over 'paldo' remark in Converge's loss to Ginebra

The PBA fined Calvin Abueva P20,000 following his postgame remarks after Converge’s 99–93 loss to Barangay Ginebra on Sunday in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

Abueva appeared at the league office on Monday, where the 38-year-old veteran forward met with league commissioner Willie Marcial, issued an apology, and received the monetary sanction. 

"Immediately following the final buzzer of the game, while on your way to your team's locker room, you were recorded by members of the media shouting, 'paldo ang 4 na referees'. The said short video immediately went viral on social media," Marcial said in a letter to Abueva.

"Such a malicious and unfounded accusation against our referees cannot go unpunished. Your irresponsible statement is tantamount to conduct detrimental to the best interests of the league."

Abueva, who was traded to Converge by Titan Ultra last February, hasn't seen action for the FiberXers in the ongoing Commissioner's Cup. 

With Abueva still not suiting up and primary guard Juan Gomez de Liaño still out due to an injury, the FiberXers have dropped their fourth straight game to go 1-4.

They opened their campaign with a 102-94 win over guest team Macau, but lost consecutively to Terrafirma, Meralco, San Miguel, and Ginebra. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News