Phoenix fined Calvin Abueva P20,000 a day after his heated verbal exchange with the girlfriend of Blackwater rookie Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Maika Rivera.
"We have decided to deduct P20,000 from the salary of Mr. Abueva which has been communicated to him and has accepted such decision," read the statement released by Phoenix on Saturday.
The amount will be donated to a charity.
Parks accused Abueva of making lewd gestures toward Rivera during the game which Phoenix won on Friday.
Abueva said it was Rivera who was the first to hurl curse words and derogatory remarks against him while he was retreating to the bench when he fouled out late in the game.
Abueva added the curse word angered him, insisting the act was also uncalled for. But Phoenix said its prized star could have addressed the situation in a more proper manner.
"While we stand and support Calvin Abueva in his own right, we cannot deny the situation, that while there have been provocation per his claims, he could have exercised more prudence and patience in dealing with it moreso a female was involved," the statement added.
The team is also hopeful nothing of the nature will happen again in the future, asking fans to "be more circumspect in cheering for their respective teams and players."
"We wish to move forward from this regrettable incident, which we believed were caused by our emotional attachment to the sport we love most," it said.