Pangasinan Today

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner has meted a one-game suspension against Red Bull guard Warren Ybanez Tuesday for hitting Barangay Ginebra’s Paul Artadi during their 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference semis opener Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome

A report posted on PBA.ph said Ybanez was also fined P20,000 for the attack against Artadi.

Though no foul was called by the game officials, PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios classified Ybanez’s act as falling under Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 upon review of the game tape with technical officials and the referees.
“It is the Board’s mandate that we crack down on flagrant and dirty fouls,” said Barrios. “We want the teams to showcase their talent and win games on merit according to the rules of the game.”

On July 14, 2008, the PBA Board of Governors approved new guidelines in the classification of grave offenses under Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 (F2) or Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 (F1).

Those classified under F2 are subject to automatic ejection and at least a one-game suspension plus a minimum P20,000 fine. Those falling under F1 do not merit an automatic ejection and suspension.

Two unsportsmanlike technical fouls in a game, or one unsportsmanlike technical foul and one F1 for a separate incident in a game, will also cause the player to be ejected from the game but with no automatic suspension.

The new guidelines took effect in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Air21 was also fined P50,000.00 for playing without an import in their game against the Magnolia Beverage Masters also last Sunday.

Express import Steve Thomas skipped the series opener to attend the Korean Basketball League camp for imports in the US.