Blackwater Coach Jeff Cariaso Fined Over Preseason Incident
Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso fined with undisclosed amount with referees suspended over Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) preseason incident.
Cariaso was fined following an incident in an exhibition match between his team and Converge, which nearly escalated into a physical altercation. Video footage captured Cariaso entering the court as FiberXers guard Aljun Melecio interrupted the ball carrier, almost leading to a more heated confrontation.
This tension stemmed from a non-call when Jeo Ambohot disrupted Blackwater’s Tyrus Hill’s attempt. Cariaso expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence of a referee’s call.
Coach Jeff has provided an explanation to the PBA office. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial mentioned that Cariaso apologized after being called in on Monday to clarify the incident.
“Nakausap ko, nagpapa-sorry. Inaamin naman niya talaga ‘yung ginawa niya,” said commissioner based on the article of Inquirer. “Sabi ko hindi na pwedeng maulit ‘yun. Kasi kung may ganoon na hindi nagustuhan, sa referees na lang magreklamo.”
“Pipinahan natin ‘yun, aminado naman siya, inaamin niya na kasalanan niya,” Marcial added, without specifying the exact amount of Cariaso’s fine for entering the court and making contact with the player. Cariaso was reported to be deeply regretful.
Furthermore, three officials who officiated the game were suspended due to the assessment that a foul should have been called on Jeo Ambohot while challenging Blackwater’s Tyrus Hill. The PBA seldom imposes fines in exhibition matches, but Cariaso’s actions were deemed unacceptable.
The technical committee reviewed the video and observed a slight contact by Ambohot on Hill, despite no whistle being heard, which resulted in the suspension of the game officiating.
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