PBA fines Jeffrey Cariaso for actions during Blackwater-Converge preseason clash

In a rare moment for a preseason game, Jeffrey Cariaso will be fined for his conduct during a recent tune-up between Blackwater and Converge. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Jeffrey Cariaso got his first sanction from the PBA as the new Blackwater coach as commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed on Monday that a fine will be meted out to him for what he did during a preseason game against Converge.

Cariaso "fouled" Aljun Melecio while the latter was going for a fastbreak attack during the second quarter of the game in protest of a no-call in which the referees failed to call a foul on Jeo Ambohot while trying to stop Tyrus Hill.

The FiberXers did not like Cariaso's actions on Melecio, which reportedly aggravated his calf injury, and confronted their former coach, but cooler heads prevailed and the game continued on with the Bossing eventually winning.

Marcial said he summoned Cariaso inside the PBA office, and Marcial also said that Cariaso apologized for his actions.

"Inaamin naman niya ang ginawa niya, so sabi ko hindi na pwedeng maulit yun. Pipinahan natin yun. Aminado naman siya, so humingi ng sorry at inaamin niya na kasalanan niya," Marcial said.

Oftentimes, any heated moment during tune-up games would get a pass, but Marcial said that Cariaso's gestures were too harsh even for just a preseason matchup.

"Bihira akong mag-fine sa exhibition, pero yung ginawa niya, medyo di maganda. So pipinahan natin," Marcial said, although the fine will be announced at a later date.

He then announced that the officiating crew during the preseason game would be suspended too after it was confirmed that a foul should have been called on Ambohot.

Marcial did not disclose how long the suspension will last, but he hinted that the ban could be for more than one cycle, that is, more than three games they are supposed to officiate.

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