Phoenix Super LPG’s Calvin Abueva said he had personally apologized to TNT’s Ray Parks Jr. for an incident that was cited as one of the reasons for the PBA to slap an indefinite suspension that lasted 16 months.
“Nagkita kami, at nabanggit ko na, ‘Hey bro, sorry for the past few years na nangyari,’” Abueva said in an episode of Sports Page which first aired Tuesday evening on One Sports.
Abueva caused controversy last year when he made a lewd gesture at Parks’ girlfriend Maika Rivera during a game between the Fuel Masters and the Blackwater Elite, who at the time had Parks on their roster.
The two had been engaging in a verbal exchange before Abueva made the gesture, enraging Parks when he was later told of the incident.
More trouble hounded Abueva a couple of days later when Abueva clotheslined TNT import Terrence Jones, prompting PBA commissioner Willie Marcial to slap an indefinite suspension for the two misconducts.
After a lengthy process, the PBA lifted Abueva’s ban on Oct. 25 and has played in Phoenix’s last three games with averages of 17.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.7 steals while maintaining a composure that was hardly a sight before the ban.
Abueva also said on the program that Parks let bygones be bygones, even expressing support for the progress he’s made.
“Sabi niya, ‘It’s okay, keep up what you’re doing. I wish you’re gonna come back soon,’” Abueva said. “‘Thank you bro,’ sabi ko.”