BARAKO Bull coach Bong Ramos has been hit with a P30,000 fine by the PBA Commissioner's Office for his rant against the referees in the aftermath of the Energy's 88-90 loss to San Mig Coffee on Tuesday night.
An incredulous Ramos told Spin.ph the officiating in the game was the "worst I've seen in my career," pointing to the 29 free throws awarded to San Mig in the fourth quarter compared to the 17 charities given Barako the whole game.
Ramos later found an ally in Rain or Shine's outspoken coach Yeng Guiao, who said on Wednesday that the free throws awarded to San Mig - as well as the free-throw disparity between the two teams - were "highly extraordinary."
"Highly extraordinary ang 29 free throws (sa isang team) sa isang quarter (at) normal na magtatanong ang coach. Ngayong nagtanong ang coach ... ipinatawag nila ang coach," Guiao said.
Ramos appeared before Commissioner Chito Salud on Thursday and together with technical oficials, reviewed videos of some of the plays in question.
The Barako Bull coach agreed that there was sufficient contact to merit fouls in the plays reviewed but pleaded for consistency from the referees, media bureau chief Willie Marcial said.
On the other hand, Salud said the league always aspires for consistency in the officiating of the league games and assured that game officials have and will always treat teams fairly.
"Rest assured that our referees will never favor one particular team at any time," Salud said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph