CALVIN Abueva didn’t show up for Alaska practice on Saturday after management announced its decision to suspend the enigmatic forward indefinitely because of his 'unexplained absence.'
Alaska coach Alex Compton confirmed Abueva was once again a no-show on Saturday, but said the decision to suspend him indefinitely has already been relayed to the Alaska star prior to the public announcement by management.
On Friday night, Abueva's closest adviser told SPIN.ph he was reporting for Alaska practice on Saturday after a week of 'soul-searching' in Baguio City due to a family problem.
“No,” answered Compton when asked if Abueva attended practice on Saturday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.
Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu on Saturday announced the team was suspending Abueva indefinitely for not showing up for a game and practices since the All-Star break a few weeks ago.
Uytengsu added while the team understands Abueva might be dealing with personal issues, it is not an excuse not to do his responsibility to the team as a player of the Aces.
Compton said he had already spoken to Abueva prior to practice where he explained the reason for management’s decision. He declined to get into the specific details of his conversation with Abueva but said he took the decision well.
“Yes. (I) just explained his suspension and he understands. He took it and we are going forward and getting ready for our game tomorrow,” said Compton.
Alaska now heads to its game against Magnolia on Sunday without Abueva and rookie Jeron Teng, who is still recovering from stab wounds he incurred during a brawl at a Bonifacio Global City parking lot last week.