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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) – Beleaguered Phoenix Fuel Masters forward Calvin Abueva has been included in the team’s 14-man official roster ahead of the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippines Cup restart in Clark, Pampanga.
However, his name came with an asterisk indicating that he will only be eligible to play once he completes the requirements set by the league and the Games and Entertainment Board (GAB).
In an effort to regain his professional license, Abueva has been attending the three-day GAB Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Professional Athletes seminar while inside the league bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
“Calvin was attentive and voluntarily participated in the seminar activities,” Kara Mallonga assured GAB staff in an update to GAB President Abraham Mitra.
“Based on our previous assessment, he appears to have a basic understanding of the concepts of conduct and ethics that are required of a professional athlete on the basketball court,” added Mallonga.
Abueva has been serving an indefinite suspension since June 2019, following a series of incidents on the court, including a hit on the clothesline to TNT import Terrence Jones and a lewd gesture towards a player’s girlfriend.
But since serving a 15-month suspension, the longest in league history, the 32-year-old Kapampangan remains hopeful of his reinstatement as he shows promising changes on a mental and emotional level.
“He interacted vigorously and expressed his greatest enthusiasm to get back into the game for the sake of his children, who didn’t want them to end what he had experienced as a child,” Mallonga said.
“He acknowledged that he used to have a tendency to feel overwhelmed, but now he has proactively looked for ways to manage his emotions.”
During the virtual session, Abueva emphasized due process and support for mental health as important factors in maintaining a good sense of yourself as a professional athlete.
In addition to the seminars, Abueva has also been ordered to take a drug test as part of the final requirements before he is deemed fit to return to the court.
Last week, Abueva was allowed to join Phoenix inside the PBA bubble, but was limited to participating only in team workouts and five-on-five games at the University of Angeles Foundation gym.
The Phoenix Fuel Masters will open their Philippine Cup campaign against the Meralco Bolts at 4pm on October 12.
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