Trillo fined, sanctioned for outburst vs referees

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska coach Luigi Trillo incurred a heavy fine of P40,000 for his uncalled for actions, vehemently questioning a crucial judgment call by the referees in the closing seconds of San Mig Coffee’s 84-83 decision over Alaska Milk in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Trillo was fined P20,000 for his attack on the call in the media and another P20,000 for confronting the referees after the controversial contest.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud didn’t let Trillo go away without a sanction “for repeatedly issuing statements to the press that tend to undermine public confidence in the game’s outcome in general, and mislead and confuse the public as to the correctness of the call.”

Salud also said Trillo has to be penalized “for violating the rule prohibiting any member of a team from approaching or confronting the game officials, before, during or after a game.”

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Aces as they lost a chance to send the game into overtime on a double-lane violation called by the game officials, nullifying a free-throw basket by Calvin Abueva.

The Aces actually still had a chance to salvage the game as they grabbed possession after a jump ball. But Abueva missed on a drive then Cyrus Baguio muffed a three-pointer inside the last 12 seconds.

Still, Trillo couldn’t accept the call although he said he’s respecting the commissioner’s decision and ready to pay the fine.

As he appeared before the league commissioner yesterday, Trillo brought with him a video of the controversial play, pointing out that San Mig Coffee players Mark Barroca and later PJ Simon bumped Abueva before he could take free throws.