Daniel Orton will pay a PhP 250, 000 fine for calling Manny Pacquiao, referees, and their most recent loss a joke. | By Norman Riego(ABSCBN Sport&Action
Orton called his team’s loss to the surprising Kia squad “a joke” and lashed out at the referees for turning what he expected to be a duel between him and Puerto Rican giant PJ Ramos into “a mockery.” Orton was hobbled by foul trouble throughout the contest and only ended with six points.
The former NBA first round pick also fired shots at Carnival playing-coach Pacquiao who earned his first career point and assist during the game. Orton said that the eight-division boxing world champion’s PBA stint is “part of the joke I am talking about.”
“Professional boxer, yeah okay. Congressman, alright. Professional basketball player? No, it’s a joke. Seriously, it’s a joke,” the Purefoods reinforcement said.
Orton’s outburst was no laughing matter for the league office. Outgoing PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said in a statement on Friday, “For issuing comments that are disparaging, disrespectful of and offensive to his host league, the game officials, a fellow player, and head coach of a member-team, a penalty of PhP 250, 000 is hereby imposed on Mr. Orton.”
The PBA head then further said that “his office disapproves of and frowns upon the unwarranted antics and liberties he has taken with the league and a fellow player.”
Orton has had history of run-ins with opponents and league offices, the most recent of which was a four-player melee in his time in the Chinese Basketball Association.
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