PBA: Cariaso fined undisclosed amount for preseason incident

MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso has been fined an undisclosed amount by the Philippine Basketball Association for his actions during last week’s game against Converge.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said Cariaso apologized after being called on Monday to explain the incident in which he entered the court and grabbed Converge’s Aljun Melecio to challenge a non-call at the other end.

Marcial did not reveal the exact amount, but Cariaso is said to be deeply contrite.

The three referees working the match were suspended after it was ruled that Jeo Ambohot should have blown his whistle for a foul while challenging Blackwater’s Tyrus Hill.

The incident occurred during the third quarter of the exhibition at the Ronac Art Center as part of both teams’ preparation for the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup.

Typically mild-mannered, Cariaso surprisingly instructed the court to protest the missed call, perhaps in an attempt to prove a point.

But Cariaso’s move did not sit well with Converge, who attempted to confront his former mentor.