MANILA – TNT KaTropa big man Michael Miranda has not learned his lesson yet after being slapped with a one-game suspension and a hefty fine with just a week into the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup .
In an advisory by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Monday, Miranda was suspended for KaTropa’s match against sister team NLEX Road Warriors today and was also told to pay P30,000 fine for his flagrant foul penalty two.
Miranda, who was traded to KaTropa from the Road Warriors, was penalized for his close fist hit on Bacolodnon center Justin Chua of Phoenix Fuel Masters during their game last Saturday.
Known for his rugged plays, the 6-foot-6 Miranda has promised prior to the start of the Philippine Cup to lessen his dirty moves after being slapped with around P50,000 fine by the PBA during the 2017-2018 season.
“New year na, so kailangan na nating magbago,” Miranda said in an interview with Spin.ph. “Although babawasan ko na, but same pa din ‘yung physicality ko kapag naglalaro ako sa court.”
“Hangga’t maaari iwasan na natin ‘yung mga fine. Mahirap na eh. Laro na lang ngayon,” added Miranda, who was twice suspended last year for his cheap shots on Fuel Masters’ Eugene Phelps and San Miguel Beermen’s Chris Ross.
Miranda’s absence is another huge blow for the KaTropa, which currently has 0-3 win-loss slate, with forward Jeth Troy Rosario and Ilonggo guard Jericho Cruz both out with injuries./PN
