ANGELES CITY – Will the Beast be allowed to enter the bubble? “Pwede. Pwedeng hindi,” says Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Willie Marcial, during the PBA 45th season press conference held at Quest Hotel, Clarkfield Pampanga, last September 29, 2020.
According to Marcial, Abueva has yet to complete the requirements asked of him by the league, including sessions with a psychologist, drug test, and community service. “Hindi pa tapos requirements. Ayaw ko sagutin.
Mahirap. Ayaw ko mag-commit. Tignan natin kung sasama si Calvin sa bubble,” Marcial explained.
Abueva was indefinitely suspended by the PBA following unsportsmanlike actions during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup, and fined a total of P70,000. Hoping to be included in the PBA Clark bubble as part of Phoenix’s 15 player line-up, Abueva has been participating in the team’s non-contact physical conditioning.
15 months into his suspension, Abueva stirs up social media with a photo of himself with the caption “comeback is real.” Amidst netizens’ clamor for Abueva’s reinstatement, Marcial stands behind the league’s decision.
“Kung nagagalit po kayo sa akin. Pasensiya muna po. Ito po ay sa kabutihan ni Calvin kabutihan ng PBA , at sa kabutihan ng lahat,” he emphasized.
The 45th season of PBA will resume this October 11, with all games being held at the bubble set-up in Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. (By Sheiden Dela Cruz)