ALEC Stockton was called for a technical foul for using a shoe while defending RJ Abarrientos in the final moments of Converge’s quarterfinal game against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup.
The incident happened with 1:10 left in the FiberXers’ 80-88 loss to the Gin Kings. Prior to the play, Stockton lost his left shoe, and, scampering to get back on defense, tried to block a driving Abarrientos with the shoe in his right hand.
Stockton was hit with a technical foul for 'using a foreign object in the play, and Abarrientos made the technical free throw, giving Ginebra an 84-76 lead.
LOOK:
The Converge guard said he was only doing his best to prevent Abarrientos from scoring with his team trailing.
“To be honest, he was iso-ing (isolating) me, I just want to give myself a chance. My left foot, I had my socks on. Wala lang, I just want to give myself a chance na I’m guarding him with one shoe,” said Stockton.
The action by Stockton evoked memories of a similar incident in a May 2015 game when then-Barako Bull player Rico Maierhofer attempted to block a shot by San Miguel’s Gabby Espinas with his shoe in his hand, and hitting it against the board.
Maierhofer was later fined for P20,000 by then PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who described his act as a “blatant misconduct that disrespects/mocks the game and unprofessional in nature.”
Stockton admitted he is not aware that his action was against the rules.
“I honestly didn’t know that there was a violation for that. I didn’t try to throw the shoe at him. I just kinda distracted him, use it to my advantage,” said Stockton.
When asked why the shoe came off his foot, the former Far Eastern University guard said: “I was just trying to make a hustle play and the shoe kinda came off. They continued to play so I just brought it with me and tried to use it to my advantage.”
Stockton finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in the loss.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
