Calvin Abueva took another step in convincing the PBA to lift the indefinite suspension handed to him last June by issuing a public apology through social media on Saturday.
The Phoenix Pulse star was remorseful during a 45-second video posted on his Instagram account, expressing regret over the series of misconducts that prompted Commissioner Willie Marcial to issue the stiffest punishment of his tenure.
Abueva was banned and fined P70,000 for making a lewd gesture at Maika Rivera, the girlfriend of Blackwater rookie Ray Parks Jr, and hitting TNT KaTropa import Terrence Jones with a clothesline during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa mga nagawa ko sa PBA, sa TNT, TNT fans, sa Phoenix Fuel Masters management at Phoenix fans, lalong-lalo na sa Board of Governors,” Abueva said.
“Kay Commissioner Willie Marcial, kay Bobby Ray Parks and Maika Rivera, and then sa PBA family, ako po ay humihingi ng dispensa sa mga nagawa ko po,” added Abueva.
Abueva had already taken steps in hopes of making an immediate return to the PBA hardcourt, gracing outreach events and holding basketball clinics in his home province of Pampanga.
He also mended his relationship with wife Sam, who accused Abueva of domestic abuse last July.
It remains to be seen if the apology will enable the PBA to soften its stance. (Jonas Terrado)
