MANILA – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters forward Calvin Abueva revealed the final step for his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) reinstatement.
Abueva, who remains suspended for almost a year now, shared in the 2OT podcast interview on June 13 that PBA commissioner Willie Marcial requires him to finish his psychological therapy sessions before he can return to hard court.
“Sayang nga (dahil) nagka-pandemya (coronavirus disease 2019). Hindi natuloy-tuloy ‘yung sessions ko,” the former PBA Rookie of the Year awardee said. “Nakakadalawang session na ako.”
“Sa dalawang psychological sessions ko, nakatulong sa akin at nakatulong sa buhay ko. Ang dami kong na-improve sa buhay ko,” added the San Sebastian College Stags product.
Abueva also admitted during the podcast that aside from the public apology he made back in October and his involvement in various corporate social responsibility activities as ordered to him by Marcial, he also went underwent drug testing.
“Yung mga pinapagawa nilang community service, dinoble ko pa kasi opportunity ko rin sa buhay ko na makatulong,” he said. “Nanggi-gigil na ako makabalik sa paglalaro.”
Marcial has slapped the former Gilas Pilipinas forward with indefinite suspension plus a hefty fine over a year ago due to two incidents during the onset of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Abueva’s first offense was his lewd gesture towards actress Maika Rivera – girlfriend of then Blackwater Elite rookie and now KaTropa guard Bobby Ray Parks Jr. – during the Fuel Masters-Elite game.
Abueva then had an on-court fracas with former Talk ‘N Text Ka Tropa import Terrence Jones during a highly-physical battle between the two squads./PN
