PBA commissioner Chito Salud doesn’t see officiating as a factor in the Commissioner’s Cup championship series between the B-MEG Llamados and the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, and he had stern words for those who want to make an issue out of it.

“It’s a waste of time and energy,” Salud said during the press luncheon for the finals Friday at the Gateway Suites in Quezon City.

“Officiating is a non-issue. Instead, focus on the game. But I assure you, coaches and players, that the referees will call the games down the line.”

Both semifinals series, wherein B-MEG defeated Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text beat Barako Bull, were plagued by complaints from fans and team officials about the refereeing.

The semis were also marked by physical play, with some coaches alleging that the contact had gotten dirty.

“Physical plays will be allowed so long as it being played within the parameters of the game. My challenge to the players is, don’t intentionally harm your fellow players because this is your means of livelihood,” said Salud.

Source: Reynaldo Belen, InterAKTV