NorthPort team manager Pido Jarencio apologized to Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial for losing his cool in the aftermath of their game against NLEX in the Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.
Marcial said Jarencio reached out to him to say sorry after figuring in a shouting match with Road Warriors import Thomas Robinson following their game late Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“He called me and apologized,” Marcial told Daily Tribune.
“He said he was sorry for what he did and would apologize to Robinson.”
“He assured me that it won’t happen again and by the time both of them will see each other, they will shake hands and forget everything.”
Tempers flew after the Road Warriors secured a 112-104 win over the Batang Pier in which Robinson posted a massive stat line of 30 points, 18 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Witnesses couldn’t exactly identify what started the commotion, but there was an incident when Robinson and JM Calma tangled in the third period.
NorthPort governor Erick Arejola entered the court and pointed his finger at the 6-foot-10 American, prompting Jarencio to join the altercation that eventually escalated into a post-game shouting match.
On their way to the dugout, Jarencio was heard hurling threats at the former National Basketball Association lottery pick, saying that “You are only one bullet. I will shoot you later. Happy New Year!”
No less than Marcial witnessed the fiery scene as well as Arejola, NLEX head coach Frankie Lim and a handful of players and team staff.
“They were already swearing at each other when I got there,” said Lim, admitting that the match had been very physical and emotional as both teams were determined to win.
“Everyone was trying to trash-talk each other. The bench joined in so he (Robinson) answered back.
Someone got insulted so he responded and he started making threats. It doesn’t need to reach that point. It’s just basketball.”
Robinson also downplayed the incident.
“They’re just upset, that’s all. They lost, we won,” the 32-year-old journeyman said.
“I was just competing. They’re competing. I’m competing, that’s all.”
Marcial said both Robinson and Jarencio of them decided to patch things up. He, however, will still summon Robinson to hear his side.
“But I won’t be there as I will be in Tiaong, Quezon for the out-of-town game,” said Marcial, adding that the sanctions will be determined after the Commissioner’s Office had heard both sides.
“It will be deputy commissioner Eric Castro who will talk to him.”
