PBA slaps P244K fines on TNT, Pfoods players

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association meted P244,400 worth of fines after an ugly encounter between Talk ’N Text and Purefoods players ensued Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Terrence Leather was slapped P62,400, but the PBA did not suspend the fiery Talk ’N Text import for Friday’s game, allowing him to play in the critical knockout match against Sta. Lucia. Also drawing fines from Talk ’N Text were Kalani Ferreria and Gilbert Lao who were fined P20,000 for leaving the bench. Former MVP James Yap was fined P50,000 for kicking Leather. Teammates Rico Villanueva (P30,000), Kerby Raymundo (P30,000), Rob Sanz (P28,000) and Jondan Salvador (P1,000) were also penalized. Only two weeks ago, Leather was thrown out of a Talk ’N Text-Ginebra game and then was nearly involved in a fight with Ginebra players afterward along the hallway leading to the teams' locker rooms. Leather and the Phone Pals face the Sta. Lucia Realtors at 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center. The winner advances to meet Barangay Ginebra in the best-of-three quarterfinals that begin Sunday. - GMANews.TV