By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
PBA living legend turned coach Johnny Abarrientos is set to pay a 10k fine to the league after being caught displaying an obscene gesture during the game played between the Magnolia Chicken Timplados and the Converge FiberXers last January 29, 2023.
Abarrientos was seen on live television flashing his middle finger to Converge’s Jamaal Franklin when the import knocked down a cold-blooded three-pointer with a minute remaining in the game.
Down by just three points with 1:06 remaining in the game, Abarrientos and the Chicken Timplados found themselves in deep trouble when Franklin extended Converge’s lead to six points, 111-105.
After Franklin looked at the bench of Magnolia and did a little bit of taunting, Abarrientos quickly flipped his middle finger after admitting that he got annoyed with the import’s gesture.
“Nang-aalaska lang siya. Eh feeling niya, winning shot ‘yung tinira niya eh, tapos pinapaupo niya kami,” said Abarrientos.
According to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Abarrientos already gave his apologies right after the league sent his violation notice.
Franklin also issued a statement in reply to Abarrientos’ gesture but the former NBA swingman had no problem at all and even commended Magnolia’s effort.
“I think they were a little mad on the three I took. I tip my hat off to them, I tip my hat off to the other import. I tip my hat off to no. 19 and no. 13 who were guarding me. They were good physical defenders,” said Franklin.
It was a terrific effort from the Chicken Timplados after coming back from a double-digit deficit in the last three minutes of the final canto when import Eric McCree went unconscious from the shooting field.
Magnolia had a good chance in the end game after McCree completed an and-one opportunity to answer Franklin’s trey with 30 seconds left in the game.
McCree’s three-point play pulled Magnolia within two points, 111-109, and had another glimmer of hope when they forced a turnover.
Magnolia called a timeout to secure one last offensive possession but McCree’s long three-point attempt against the out-stretched arms of Jeron Teng from the left elbow missed.
