Alaska suspends Calvin Abueva indefinitely

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces on Saturday announced that it had placed All-Star forward Calvin Abueva on "indefinite suspension" as "The Beast" has not made contact with his team for well over a week now.

Abueva was not around for Alaska's 109-106 victory over the GlobalPort Batang Pier last Saturday in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup. Coach Alex Compton told reporters after the game that the player is not injured, but has been "going through personal issues."

Compton also revealed that Abueva has not shown up to their practice since the league's All-Star break.

"I don't actually have a lot of info other than that," he said. "Calvin, if you're watching, I hope you're okay."

On Saturday, Alaska owner Wilfred Uytengsu announced that Abueva is now indefinitely suspended, as he has now failed to advise the coaching staff and management of his whereabouts for over a week now.

Statement from the @alaska_aces management. #WilfredUytengsu 📌 pic.twitter.com/51BeZ2jc4n

— Alaska Aces (@Alaska_Aces) June 9, 2018

"While the team understands that Calvin may be going through some troubling personal issues, it does not obviate his responsibility to his team," Uytengsu said. "The suspension is effective immediately."

"Alaska, however, will allow Abueva to play for Gilas if Coach Chot Reyes chooses to use him in the line-up," he added.

This is not the first time that Abueva has taken a break to deal with personal issues. He also memorably sat out a long stretch of the Philippine Cup, and returned with a new number – switching from No. 8 to No. 88.