Game today:
Cagayan de Oro City
5 p.m.- San Miguel vs. Meralco
THIS ONE’S not a joke.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) came down hard on Purefoods import Daniel Orton, slapping him with a hefty P250,000 fine for his outburst after the Hotshots’ 84-95 loss to the lowly Kia Carnivals last Wednesday night.
“For issuing comments that are disparaging, disrespectful of and offensive to his host league, the game officials and a fellow player and head coach of a member-team, a penalty of P250,000 is hereby imposed on Mr. Orton,” said league commissioner Chito Salud in a statement.
In his post-match outburst, Orton blamed the referees for his limited minutes due to foul trouble. He fouled out in the closing minutes of the game.
Orton also hit on Kia playing-coach Manny Pacquiao, describing the boxing superstar’s stint in the league as “a joke.”
Salud reminded Orton that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“Regardless of what action his ball club may take regarding his status, this Office disapproves of and frowns upon the cavalier manner in which Mr. Orton issued his comments and the unwarranted antics and liberties he has taken with the league and a fellow player. This insulting behavior will never be condoned by this league,” Salud said.
CASTRO WINS IT
Meanwhile, Jayson Castro saved Talk ‘N Text from a huge meltdown after he buried a buzzer-beating jumper to lift the Tropang Texters to a thrilling 98-96 win over the NLEX Road Warriors yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.