DMND.

Calvin Abueva.

Calvin Abueva.

Some say the troubled Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters wingman is the embodiment of all things Pinoy old school basketball. Others argue that he is an irritant, an uneducated, unfiltered troublemaker who seeks and thrives in all of the media attention.

Currently, he is serving an indefinite suspension-- the longest in league history, since June 2019. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has gone on record several times to say that there's a 'to do list' for Abueva to be able to have his suspension lifted, with the Final decision still up to the board. 

There are those who wish for Abueva to be reinstated, if only to be able to provide a decent living for his family, given the length of the days that he has already served. There are those who wish for the league to kick Abueva out of the PBA altogether, to serve as an example for what not to do as a professional basketball player.  

See, Abueva wasn't indefinitely suspended because of a brawl (he has a long history on this in both professional and amateur ranks). Some forget how he made lewd remarks, taunts and gestures towards a female fan (who turned out to be a fellow PBA player's partner)-- this, in my honest opinion, is what 'broke the camel's back.'

In-game fights, skirmishes, taunts? That's expected of alpha males competing in an extremely physical sport. Going after fans? That's unforgivable in the Robert Jaworski, Sr. school of basketball of which the PBA desperately tries to keep reliving. 

Going after a female fan and not looking the least bit apologetic after? That's a PR nightmare for a league that's even more desperate in trying to bring back fans to venues (or television sets).

The best case scenario that we have come up with, and agree to, is for the league to simply ban Abueva. End of story. If they won't reinstate him, then might as well allow the guy to get a second chance somewhere else. 

He won't make the same money, unless he plays overseas, but what would a 6"2 undersized enforcer-like wing do against bigger competition? Middle Eastern point guards would probably just push him out of the way (they stand 6"4-6"5), while rumors have it that there were Japan league rumors but with their culture, they probably would not tolerate Abueva's antics and put him on the first plane back to Pampanga after the first elbow/ cheapshot thrown.

It's been a year, and even minus the pandemic, I do miss Abueva's antics. He plays with fire and passion, but he also plays with malice. I appreciate his hustle and how he protects his teammates, but I also don't appreciate the extra motions that are not part of the game. 

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's to live your life to the fullest, and do everything in your power to take care of your loved ones. Everyone deserves a second chance. Hopefully, Abueva has found peace during this time and comes back-- PBA or not, an even better player and person.