PBA Tune-Up Games Getting Testy

A foot soldier apparently didn't know any better than to show up a General - and paid the price for his impertenence.

Air21 rookie Yousef Taha, perhaps flaunting his 6-foot-7 frame, was said to have trash-talked and elbowed Global Port veteran Rommel Adducul, nicknamed The General, during a highly physical tune-up game yesterday at the Moro Lorenzo Gym in Katipunan, Quezon City.

Adducul, who got pinned down by Taha in the second quarter and strained his knee, pushed and snarled at the Express tyro, drawing to the fray Global Port players, including 6-foot-7 Rabeh Al-Hussaini who went after Taha as he scampered out of the playing court through the exit door.

Management and the coaching staff of both teams stepped in to restrain their players, with the game getting resumed and Air21 eventually posting an 82-80 win, the Express' first following a loss to Meralco a week ago.

It was the first practice game for Global Port under coach Glenn Capacio.

"It's a good and bad sign," said Global Port team manager BJ Manalo. "As part of the management, it's inspiring to see that the players will never back down from anything, which is a good sign. But sometimes, the aggression should show only on team plays. As an official, you don't see a fight, where somebody might get hurt."

Air21 mentor Franz Pumaren shared the sentiment. "It only shows that even in practice games, the action is really intense. The referees should always be in control, because things may get out of hand if they let the players play physical," he said.

The scrimmages are sanctioned by PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who can mete out penalties on erring players should he deem it appropriate to do so, according to media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

It was the second controversial pre-season game in three days for the PBA after a fight broke out in the exhibition between Barangay Ginebra and the Qatar national team, with Kings center Kerby Raymundo and his Qatari counterpart exchanging blows.

Also, a tune-up between Alaska and San Mig Coffee (formerly B-Meg) was cut short late in the third period when head coach Tim Cone walked out after Jerwin Gaco was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for elbowing Eddie Laure.

In his Twitter account @manilacone, the American mentor apologized for his decision.

"No big deal. We asked to halt the practice game. We weren't ready to play. My fault in scheduling it. My apology to Alaska and Coach Luigi." He added: "It was more about the fear of injury to our key guys than the call. We're not in shape yet and guys were cramping. Again, my fault."

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