FORMER PBA player Mark Cardona can only commiserate with Calvin Abueva after the Phoenix Pulse star forward was handed an indefinite ban by the pro league for two controversial incidents last week.
Speaking during the launch of his MPBL team Go for Gold San Juan Knights, Cardona said he feels only empathy for Abueva, who he says is one of the few remaining reasons why fans still watch the PBA nowadays.
“Buti nga si Calvin napapasaya yung PBA eh. Siya na nga lang yata halos nagpapasaya dyan at inaabangan tapos ganoon pa,” Cardona, who has figured in his own share of controversies during his 12-year PBA career, told Spin.ph.
The former Talk n’ Text ace wingman said the indefinite suspension will have a deep and worrying impact on Abueva and his family.
He feels the punishment is too harsh.
"Indefinite suspension, sobra naman 'yun. Dapat kay Commissioner [Willie Marcial], alam na agad yung ide-declare n'ya na kung ilang games si Calvin hindi makakalaro. Kasi may pamilya rin yan eh,” Cardona said.
“Buhay ni Calvin basketball, kung hindi siya makakalaro ng ilang games, without pay yun. Nakakaawa naman,” added the former Dela Salle standout. "Masyado mabigat 'yun. Hindi naman 'yun 'yung parang nanaksak o namaril eh, di ba?”
Cardona said the league should accept Abueva for who he is and that he should be judged accordingly, not just through his reputation.
"Si Calvin, ganun talaga maglaro 'yun. I-accept na lang natin na ganun siya maglaro, hindi talaga siya papasindak kahit sino ka pa. Ganun siya eh,” he said.
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