Calvin Abueva completes GAB Code of Conduct seminar

Calvin Abueva formally got his license back. PBA Images (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Calvin Abueva is set to get his professional license back after finishing a webinar set by the Games and Amusements Board explaining to him the Professional Athlete Code of Conduct and Ethics.

GAB completed the webinar on Wednesday night, and Kara Mallonga, the agency's health and safety officer, recommended the reactivation of Abueva's license in the post-seminar report, a copy of which was obtained by Dugout Philippines early Thursday.

The Phoenix forward also passed the mandatory drug test last week, which means he is now eligible to play professional basketball again.

All that is left is the lifting of the indefinite ban the PBA slapped on Abueva last year for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the Commissioner's Cup that saw him clotheslining TNT import Terrence Jones and hurling some choice words at Ray-Ray Parks' girlfriend Maica Rivera.

According to Mallonga, "Abueva's childlike manner may have caused him to get misunderstood by many since his on-court play style is quite aggressive given that his skills were not scientifically acquired but rather developed by in rough community settings" citing talks with Fuel Masters head coach Topex Robinson, team manager Paolo Bugia, and Abueva's former mentor Allan Trinidad.

The PBA may lift Abueva's ban as soon as Thursday, just in time for Phoenix's game against NorthPort.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_