Considering the susceptibility of “heated” moments in the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) finals, the league’s 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup witnessed an offensive exchange between San Miguel Beermen Head Coach Jorge Gallent and Magnolia Hotshots’ Calvin Abueva last Sunday, February 4, 2024.
“Overly personal” as SPIN.ph’s Gerry Ramos describes, the 36-year-old forward taunted the opposition’s mentor with 9 minutes and 52 seconds remaining in the contest.
Down 23 points and a quarter’s length to spare, Abueva checked out of the game for Rome Dela Rosa, taunting Gallent as he moved to the sideline, which resulted in technical fouls awarded to both parties. The Hotshots veteran made a face following the incident, as the newly appointed head coach remained composed, giving a “thumbs up” gesture in response.
Following the 109-85 blowout, Gallent said that Abueva targeted his impaired vision, “na bulag daw ako” (that I’m blind), pouring salt on a wound caused by a motorcycle incident that resulted in the loss of his right eye.
According to the PBA, Abueva apologized to the San Miguel Beermen mentor (which Gallent accepted) as he was fined ₱100,000 in line with league regulations surrounding offensive remarks catered to the dignity of any person on account of “physical disability.”
Apart from the altercation between him and the opposing mentor, Abueva’s game-two antics continued with Mo Tautuaa and his wife.
Calvin and his wife, Sam Abueva, confronted the pair post-game, challenging the San Miguel Beermen’s stretch five to a fistfight, only to be separated by security personnel and members of both teams.
Aida Tautuaa took the incident to social media, describing the former second overall pick as “unhinged” and “not mentally stable,” “smirking and laughing in her direction.”
Abueva denounced her claim, disclosing that she was the first to deliver a blow while he was waiting for his children.
“The Beast” appeared alongside Tautuaa in a press conference organized by Commissioner Willie Marcial last Tuesday, January 6, 2024, where they discreetly settled their differences together with a warning of a “heavier penalty” if repeated.
“Abueva apologized to the PBA and to Tautuaa and his wife. Nagkausap at nagkaayos na sila” (They talked and sorted things out), Marcial mentioned.
