MANILA – Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra said on Tuesday that his agency may act on the indefinite suspension on Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar Calvin Abueva very soon.
Mitra said Abueva and Phoenix interim coach Topex Robinson went to GAB's office in Makati to discuss the possibility of Abueva's ban being lifted.
While Commissioner Ed Trinidad, who met Abueva and Robinson, did not commit to the lifting, Mitra said, "Abueva's request will be discussed and decided upon by the board in the next board meeting."
If GAB moves to finally put to an end Abueva's ban, he may be cleared to travel to Angeles and join the Fuel Masters in the PBA bubble.
However, Mitra added: "He will undergo a seminar on Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of a Professional Athlete once the GAB Board decides to give back his license."
'For the good of all'
Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial called on the fans, especially those who are clamoring for Abueva's return, for understanding as they are working on having the embattled player back in action.
"Kung nagagalit po kayo sa akin, pasensya muna po. Ito po ay sa kabutihan po ng lahat (If you are mad at me, I apologize for the meantime. This is for everyone's good)," Marcial said during the press launch of the PBA bubble.
It has been more than a year since the league slapped Abueva with an indefinite ban for unsportsmanlike behavior he had during last year's PBA Commissioner's Cup.
On when the PBA may lift the sanction, Marcial answered, "Ayokong mag-commit (I do not want to commit)."
However, Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia said Abueva is now cleared to join the team in practices. (PNA)
