Salud decries Guiao's rant, justifies suspension

MANILA, Philippines – PBA Commissioner Chito Salud reiterated that Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao has been slapped with one-game suspension and Php 100,000 fine not because of officiating but his persistent conduct unbecoming of a coach.

“The real issue and cause is his persistent arrogant behavior to force this kind of conduct to the players, the referees and his peers in the entire viewing public,” said Salud reacting to Guiao’s statements that the suspension has given Petron Blaze an undue advantage.

(Read related story: Guiao cries foul, says suspension gives Petron big advantage)

Salud, who is also a lawyer, agreed with Guiao that the officiating is an issue needed to be addressed.  

“I agree that officiating is a public issue. I made it a priority when I first came here as a commissioner. The PBA continues to find ways to improve the officiating and guard against partiality,” Salud told Philstar.com in a telephone interview.  

The temperamental Rain or Shine coach has been ejected in Games Three and Four for incessantly complaining to the referees with the last one leading to his flashing of dirty finger towards the league commissioner and technical committee table on his way to the locker room.

(Read Salud's full statement in this story: Dirty finger costs Guiao suspension, P100K fine)

Petron won Game Three, 106-73, while Rain or Shine managed to survive Guiao’s second straight ejection and Paul Lee’s injury (sprained ankle) to score an 88-83 victory that gave the Painters a 3-1 lead in the series.