PBA suspends three more refs

The Philippine Basketball Association suspended and fined three more game officials for poor officiating in the recent Red Bull Barako-Purefoods game and, at the same time, fined coaches Yeng Guiao and Ryan Gregorio for uncalled for remarks on the incident.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala made the decision yesterday after reviewing the game he said marred by "consistently poor" calls by referees Ogie Ramos, Renato Fabrez and Joel Nicolas. The commissioner was in Hong Kong for the league board’s directional meeting when the game was played Saturday.

Ramos, Fabrez and Nicolas were suspended for two play dates, meaning their names will not be put on a lottery in today’s and Saturday’s games.

"I reviewed the game and I agreed with the observation of the coaches that the referees performed below standard. The refs didn’t follow our parameters and guidelines," said Eala.

"The calls were consistently poor, so the refs must be sanctioned," he added.

But Eala said that one badly-officiated game doesn’t make an entire conference and maintained last Saturday’s incident "must not erode all the gains PBA has had in the year."
"It’s not time to press the eject button. It’s not out of control," he said.

Guiao and Gregorio didn’t escape sanction for slamming the officiating after the game and were slapped heavy fines. The PBA, however, refused to disclose the amount.

"We welcome calls for review of games. I believe it’s not only a right but obligation by the coaches to help improve the affairs of the league. But they have to avoid making premature conclusion," said Eala.

"While we appreciate some of their (Guiao’s and Gregorio’s) conclusions, it’s unfair and unnecessary to say officiating is generally poor. It’s unjustified. They have to realize the impact their statements would make on the public," Eala added.