Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Meralco vs GlobalPort
7 p.m. – Alaska vs Rain or Shine
MANILA, Philippines — GlobalPort new acquisition Moala Tautuaa drew a game suspension plus a fine of P35,000 for his flagrant infractions in their game against his former team TNT KaTropa on opening day of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday.
GlobalPort import Malcolm White, TNT forward Don Trollano, Blackwater gunner Allein Maliksi and GlobalPort center Joseph Gabayni were also slapped fines of P5,000 each for their flagrant fouls in a pair of emotional, rugged games that set in motion the mid-season tourney.
Terrence Romeo was also summoned by the Commissioner’s Office but the former had requested that his appearance be moved today.
Tautuaa will serve his suspension in their game against Meralco in the third play date of the tourney tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tautuaa was meted a fine of P5,000 for his flagrant foul penalty 1, P20,000 for strong words he uttered which was caught on video as he was leaving the playing court.
He was tossed out of the game after his second infraction where he kicked TNT import Jeremy Tyler on the chest while hanging on the rim after executing a two-handed jam.
“He was hitting his head in our meeting. He was sorry for what he has done,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
“I reminded the players who appeared in the office that it’s okay to play physical in the game. But I don’t want them to hurt their co-players,” Marcial also said.
The Batang Pier bore the brunt of Tautuaa’s suspension as they tangle with Meralco and hulking import Arinze Onuaku at 4:30 p.m.
Alaska Milk and Rain or Shine, two teams swept in the best-of-three quarterfinals last conference, take on each other to start their campaigns in the tourney at 7 p.m.