Belasco, Sanford fined

San Miguel forward Nic Belasco and Coca-Cola import Mark Sanford were spared from suspensions but slapped hefty fines following their off-court scuffle in the two teams’ PBA Fiesta Cup match-up at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday. This developed even as the Ginebra San Miguel management denied reports of a blockbuster player trade with Formula Shell involving Gin Kings Mark Caguioa and Rommel Adducul and Chargers Tony Dela Cruz, Billy Mamaril and Chris Calaguio.

"We heard of such rumor of a trade even before it was reported, and have already assured Mark and Romel that it’s not true," said Ginebra team manager Allan Caidic. "The team’s morale remains high and both players continue to be vital to the Gin Kings."

Meanwhile, the Red Bull management said Wednesday night that 6-foot-7 Corey Hightower will be the Barakos’ new import after talks with the camp of the ex-NBA rebound king Dennis Rodman bogged down.

"Masyadong malaki ang hinihingi," confided team manager Tony Chua.

He refused to say how much the former National Basketball Association’s seven-time rebounding king’s asking price was, although a team insider revealed Rodman, known for his wild antics on-and-off the court, was bargaining for a $30,000 salary for the remainder of the transition tournament. The league’s maximum pay for import is $14,000.

The PBA Commissioner’s Office said that Belasco and Sanford were not suspended in the aftermath of the Sunday off-court incident but heavy fines were slapped on the two although it refused to divulge the amount involved.

It has been the league’s practice starting the season not to make public all corresponding fines made by the Commissioner’s Office on players, coaches and teams.

Commissioner Noli Eala made a stern warning that "a repetition of the incident will be dealt severely, lalo’t mayroon na kaming memo regarding sa pag-exit ng mga players after the game," said Eala.

No sanction was given to San Miguel import Art Long as there was no proof indicating his involvement in the post-game shouting and shoving that transpired between Belasco and Sanford at the hallway of the Big Dome.

In Zamboanga City, Dennis Espino presided over Sta. Lucia’s offensive thrust as the Realtors defeated the Coca-Cola Tigers, 87-75, last night for their third win in 10 starts. The Tigers suffered their fourth loss against six wins.