Talk ‘N Text import Ivan Johnson (leftmost) confronts Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao and JR Quinahan in Game 4 of last year’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals. Johnson, known for his volatile temperament, has been fined and suspended several times before. MB
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Manila – The PBA Commissioner’s Office slapped a one-game suspension on Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters reinforcement Ivan Johnson for being involved in a recently brawl during a tune-up game with the Blackwater Elite.
In a press statement sent to Panay News, PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said that aside from the one-game ban, the temperamental import has also been fined P50, 000.
According to Marcial, the former Atlanta Hawks forward was punished after footage of Johnson pushing Elite center John Paul Erram and punching Frank Golla during a tune-up game was reviewed.
“Tinulak niya si Erram, tapos si Golla sinuntok niya, tinamaan sa balikat,” said Marcial, who added that Johnson’s suspension will take effect for Texters’ first game in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup against the Elite.
Johnson is known for his dirty plays, as he was involved in several skirmishes with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao and Paul Lee last season. He also had a verbal war with Alaska Aces head coach Alex Compton.
Johnson has been banned from the Korean Basketball League some years back for flashing a middle finger at a game official. He was also fined in the NBA for flashing the obscenity at a fan.
The 31-year-old Johnson averaged 26.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals in his first stint for the Texters, who captured the crown against the Painters last year./PN