LA Tenorio fined PHP20K after lashing at ref in QF showdown

LA Tenorio was apologetic to Commissioner Willie Marcial for blasting Peter Balao's officiating, but he still has to pay a fine. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--LA Tenorio has been slapped with a hefty fine after he had choice words at Referee Peter Balao for his offensive foul call on Ginebra teammate Scottie Thompson late into the team's PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal game against Meralco on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial announced on Wednesday during halftime of the semifinal showdown between TNT and Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that Tenorio will be fined PHP20,000 for his comment, which the executive describes as detrimental to the league.

Tenorio initially declined a request for a post-game interview but later told reporters present at MOA Arena to put on record a call-out to Balao.

Marcial revealed that Tenorio actually walked to the officials' table to complain about the foul call, which according to him merits a fine as well, meaning that the PHP20,000 ordered paid is a sum of fines.

Marcial said that after he learned about the lashing, he quickly called Tenorio, and the point guard was apologetic about his actions.

Meanwhile, Tenorio's fellow Gin King Prince Caperal was not spared as he was fined PHP15,000 for incurring flagrant fouls on back-to-back games.

Even a Bolt had to pay up a fine as Franky Johnson was also meted a PHP20,000 fine for his part in a pregame commotion with Christian Standhardinger after he threw the ball at him.

Standhardinger, however, was spared from any sanction.

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