Phoenix Fuel Masters forward Calvin Abueva has been suspended indefinitely and fined a total of P70,000 for two separate incidents on the court.
The PBA announced the decision Tuesday afternoon after a meeting at the league's office in Quezon City.
Abueva was hit in the groin area by TNT import Terrence Jones late in Sunday's game. Abueva responded by hitting Jones with a running clothesline, leading to a flagrant foul-penalty 2 and ejection. The PBA fined Abueva P50,000 for the incident. Referee Bing Oliva, who was in front of the two when Jones' low blow to Abueva occurred, was suspended for 10 game days for missing what the league said should have been called a flagrant-2 on Jones.
Abueva was also fined P20,000 for making an obscene gesture towards a fan during the Phoenix-Blackwater game on May 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena. During a timeout, Abueva made hand gestures towards a fan, later identified as the girlfriend of Blackwater rookie Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.
The league said Abueva told referees to 'look out' for his next move moments before retaliating on Jones.
Jones was fined P50,000 for the low blow and P20,000 for making contact with a referee.
Prior to that, Abueva was assessed a technical foul for second motion against TNT's Anthony Semerad.
Phoenix head coach Louie Alas has been suspended for two games, and was fined a total of P40,000 for flagrant misconduct against David Semerad as he made physical contact with him during a scrum, and for making statements detrimental to the league.
Phoenix import Rob Dozier and teammate Jason Perkins were each fined P1,000 for a technical foul due to second motion and verbal altercation, respectively.
The Semerad twins were also fined P20,000 each due to their role in the altercation, while guard Jayson Castro being fined P1,000 for verbal altercation. Phoenix's Alex Mallari and TNT's Don Trollano drew P5,000 each for incurring a flagrant foul penalty 1, while TNT active consultant Mark Dickel was fined P1,000 for disrespectfully addressing an official and P20,000 for throwing the ball at an official.
TNT assistant team manager Miguel Fernandez was also fined P10,000 for approaching the Technical Table.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial justified the sanctions as a way to deter hooliganism and to instill professionalism in the oldest pro league in Asia.
"Fans go to the playing venues to enjoy the games, not to be insulted or disrespected," said Marcial in the PBA's official statement. "The welfare of the fans is of utmost importance to the PBA and he will not hesitate to impose heavy penalties on those who breach this rule, especially against women."
Marcial said even though a bit of physicality is allowed, violent behavior and misconduct will not be tolerated by the league. He also said that he can "no longer allow Abueva to continue with his offensive and obnoxious on-court behavior against the fans and his fellow players".
There is no timetable for Abueva's return. Marcial said it will depend on how Abueva responds.
Marcial said this will serve as a stern warning for the other players to conduct themselves in a professional manner, and not doing so will lead to a severe punishment from the league.
He reminded players they should alert the Office of the Commissioner warn or eject unruly fans.