PBA chief Salud to impose heavy sanctions on Pingris-Nabong melee

Thursday, September 5, 2013

PBA chief Salud to impose heavy sanctions on Pingris-Nabong melee

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Salud has assured he will be handing out heavy sanctions against players who were involved in the free-for-all between San Mig Coffee and Global Port on Wednesday night.

The PBA chieftain said in an interview on Sport 5 Center that he has already summoned the players who figured in the melee that marred San Mig Coffee’s 102-88 win over GlobalPort.

“These players will be called to my office tomorrow precisely for the charges that were given to them on court. The office of the commissioner will continue to review this more thoroughly tomorrow and hand out to appropriate sanctions,” said Salud.

The fight broke out after GlobalPort’s Marvin Hayes got entangled with San Mig import Marqus Blakely while falling to the ground with 8:11 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Mixers’ Joe Devance ran towards Hayes and shoved the latter back to the ground. Other players joined the melee, including Kelly Nabong who pushed Devance.

Pingris then rushed in in while swinging a punch at Nabong, who retaliated by trying to knee the San Mig player in the body.

Both Pingris and Nabong were ejected from the game.

Aside from getting a double foul with Blakely, Hayes was also assessed a technical for his second motion against the import. Devance was also called for a technical foul for shoving Hayes.

“I want to make it clear to the fans that this is truly a lamentable and deplorable incident and this certainly has no place in the league,” said Salud.

Salud assured that the players will be given the chance to air their side before the league hands out the sanctions.

The commissioner, however, maintained he won’t tolerate violence in the league.

“I consistently reminded them that fighting has no place in our league.”