Pingris, Nabong, Devance PBA brawl draws fine, suspension

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) handed out its decision on Friday, September 6, 2013. Those involved during the Wednesday PBA brawl, that include Marc Pingris, Kelly Nabong, Joe Devance and Marvin Hayes, were fined and suspended by the Commissioner's Office led by Chito Salud.

Commissioner Salud met with all the players involved before he issued the penalties.

Below is the complete decision of Commissioner Salud.

1. Marvin Hayes is fined P20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, equivalent to a flagrant foul penalty.

2. Kelly Nabong is suspended for 2 games and fined P60,000 for attacking import Marqus Blakely and exchanging blows with Marc Pingris.

3. Pingris is suspended for 2 games and fined P60,000 for fighting and engaging Nabong in an exchange of blows.

4. Joe Devance is suspended for 1 game and fined P30,000 for triggering the commotion that led to the fight between Nabong and Pingris.

In a statement, Commissioner Salud reiterates the PBA's stand against violence during games. According to Salud:

Strong emphasis is being placed on this policy so much so that those who dare to trigger fights will also be penalized accordingly. With this, it should be clear to everyone that instigators, hotheads and troublemakers have no place in the PBA and will be dealt with severely. Instigators also deserve special mention, especially those not even directly involved in the immediate action. They too will have to bear a heavy price for their act.

Finally, I want to remind our players that long after sanctions have been served, your overall conduct's impression on our youth will continue to last. Be more circumspect in the future. Our players' responsibility of role modelling, particularly to our youth, is sacrosanct in the PBA.

100-vehicle crash in Kent, England (Photo)

100-vehicle crash
Credit: @NPAS_Boreham/Twitter
Around 100 vehicles crashed on the Sheppey Crossing bridge in England on Thursday, September 5, 2013.

The massive pile up of cars was reportedly due to dense fog over the bridge that connects the Isle of Sheppey and Kent mainland.

Officials say that there were eight people who suffered serious injuries and about 60 individuals with minor injuries.

According to a statement by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, "There are no fatalities but ambulance crews are dealing with a large number of walking wounded casualties. Firefighters have used hydraulic cutting equipment to release five people from their vehicles."

Authorities are still investigating the real cause of the crash. Chief Inspector Andy Reeves explained that the thick fog was "very hazardous. It was described to me as a very thick fog and it was certainly low visibility at the time."

Marc Pingris vs Kelly Nabong PBA Brawl (VIDEO)

Marc Pingris and Kelly Nabong figured in a major brawl during a game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor's Cup on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

At least five (5) players from Globalport Batang Pier and San Mig Coffee Mixers were involved in the melee.

Among the players in the brawl include Joe Devance, Marqus Blakely, and Marvin Hayes.

The latest PBA brawl happened with 8 minutes and 11 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter of the Mixers vs Batang Pier game.

San Mig Coffee was ahead 58-39 against Globalport when the fistfight started.

Hefty fine and suspension may be meted on several players. Pingris and Nabong may expect to receive the heavier penalty when the PBA Commissioner's Office announced their decision on Friday, September 6.

But who really started the brawl and who should get the greater penalty? Watch the Marc Pingris vs Kelly Nabong video below and judge it for yourself.