MAIERHOFER FINED 20K FOR ONCOURT ANTICS
Some quarters may have found his antics funny, but perhaps not Rico Maierhofer himself. At least not after meeting with PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
Moments after the meeting at the PBA Office Friday afternoon, Maierhofer was slapped a P20,000 fine for his act of using his shoe to block an opponent’s shot during the Barako Bull – San Miguel Beer game last Wednesday.
“Present game rules are broad enough to cover the act of Rico Maierhofer. While not among those acts specifically prohibited by existing rules, said act can be considered to be in breach of the general conduct of games. Hence, it can be classified as a technical foul for using a foreign object as an aid in performing an offensive or defensive move,” said commissioner Salud in a statement.
“More importantly, it is viewed by this Office as blatant misconduct that disrespects/mocks the game and unprofessional in nature. Mr. Maierhofer is hereby fined the amount of twenty thousand pesos (P 20,000.00).”
The Barako Bull forward lost his shoe on a drive to the basket, but instead of putting it back on immediately, he held on to it, went down the floor to defend and then blocked Gabby Espinas’ shot underneath the basket.
San Miguel Beer went on to win over the Energy, 116-113. (JL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
