It looks like Calvin Abueva is just a few stages away from seeing his suspension lifted.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that the Phoenix Pulse star will have to fulfill two more duties before he raises his recommendation to the board for the forward’s reinstatement.
The amiable executive, though, did not specify what he and Abueva discussed.
“Hangga’t maaari, ‘di ko sasabihin kung anong pinapagawa ko sa kanya … Pero nasa second stage na kami,” Marcial said on Thursday during the league’s Media Day at the Okada Manila.
“Gawin na nating tatlong stage kasi hati ‘yung second stage. ‘Pag natapos ‘yun, ire-recommend ko sa governors kung ano recommendation ko. Abisuhan ko rin governors natin.”
Marcial did not delve into the details of the required conditions, since he wants to protect the Kapampangan cager.
“‘Yun ang sabi ko sa kanya — ‘Poprotektahan kita. Kung ikaw mismo ang gustong magsabi, so be it’.
“Pero ako, ‘di ako magsasabi. Pinoprotektahan ko si Calvin kasi ‘di lang naman natin player ‘yan eh. Tinuturing kong kaibigan at malapit sa akin si Calvin,” Marcial explained.
Abueva has been serving his suspension for eight months after the league sanctioned him last June due to two separate incidents in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup’s early goings.
The first were his lewd gestures toward then-Blackwater rookie and now-TNT guard Ray Parks’ girlfriend Maika Rivera, followed by his clothesline hit on KaTropa import Terrence Jones.
Abueva, though, has been practicing with the Fuel Masters since September, and issued an apology via Instagram last October. He’s also been involved in the league’s outreach programs.
Marcial said that he’s been impressed with how the “The Beast” is proving himself to get back in the PBA.
“Okay ako sa first stage ni Calvin,” said Marcial.
“Kita niyo naman nago-outreach, CSR (corporate social responsibilities).”
