PBA ref sacked for non-call

MANILA, Philippines – PBA referee Jimmy Mariano has been suspended for four game days on the heels of Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu's uproar on cheap shots given to the Aces' prized rookie Calvin Abueva.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud informed philstar.com of the development via text message today.

"Upon review of the game between Alaska and Air21 (last night), ref Jimmy Mariano has been suspended for four (4) game days for his failure to assess a foul on the contact made by Rob Reyes on Calvin Abueva in the last minute of the game," Salud said in the text message.

Reyes was caught on the TV replays giving Abueva a smack on the face during a battle for the loose ball near the midcourt in the closing minutes of the game, which was wildly won by the Express, 104-103, handing the Aces their third straight loss after a five-game winning streak.

"It was clearly established that ref Mariano was the official who had the primary area of jurisdiction to make a call on that particular play situation," Salud added.

Salud will summon Reyes on Saturday in Tubod, Lanao del Norte prior to Air21's game against Rain or Shine to hear his side on the contact he initiated against Abueva.