PBA slaps Orton with P250K fine for insulting Pacquiao, refs

PJ Ramos of KIA (dark) vs Daniel Orton of Purefoods (light). -- PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio |
ABS-CBNnews.com

 

MANILA, Philippines – Purefoods import Daniel Orton was slapped with a hefty fine after calling KIA’s Manny Pacquiao “a joke” last Wednesday.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud ordered the NBA veteran to pay P250,000 for his disparaging remarks against the boxing star and the PBA referees following KIA Carnival’s huge upset against the Purefoods Star Hotshots.

“For issuing comments that are disparaging, disrespectful of and offensive to his host league, the game officials and a fellow player and head coach of a member-team, a penalty of P250,000 is hereby imposed on Mr. Orton,” said Salud in a statement issued after hearing the import’s side regarding the incident.

“Regardless of what action his ballclub may take regarding his status, this Office disapproves of and frowns upon the cavalier manner in which Mr. Orton issued his comments and the unwarranted antics and liberties he has taken with the league and a fellow player.”

“This insulting behavior will never be condoned by this league.”

Orton, who was held to just 6 points and 3 rebounds during Purefoods’ 84-95 defeat to KIA last Wednesday, blamed the referees for their loss.

The import was saddled with fouls and could not help the Hotshots in guarding the Carnival’s 7’3” import Peter John Ramos.

“Before the game, I was looking forward to it (matchup with Ramos), because I’m a guy who likes to battle it at the post,” Orton was quoted as saying. “They (referees) really took the game that I know and love and made it into a mockery tonight.”

Then he took it out against Pacquiao, who scored his first point during the game.
“Professional boxer? Yeah. Congressman? Alright. But professional basketball player? Seriously? It’s a joke,” said Orton, the 29th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.