MANILA — San Miguel suspended three of its players for a brawl that took place during the team’s practice on November 17.
The management on Wednesday announced an indefinite suspension for Arwind Santos, Kelly Nabong, and Ronald Tubid for their role in the commotion.
According to eyewitnesses, injured import Dez Wells, who still practiced despite the lingering pain in his ankle, confronted Santos after the latter set a hard pick on him.
Cooler heads appeared to have pacified the matter, but shortly afterward, Tubid punched Wells, further triggering the tension.
The situation worsened when Nabong went after Tubid and punched him too.
“While the conflict has been resolved, and the incident occurred away from the public eye, the San Miguel organization does not tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior,” the Beermen said in a statement. “Basketball is a physical game where emotions can run high, but we believe that PBA players have to be held to a higher standard of professionalism and sportsmanship at all times.”
The development came hours before they were to meet the TNT KaTropa in the final game of the PBA Governor’s Cup eliminations.
The winner of the SMB-TNT game will take the last twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, meaning the absence of Nabong, Santos, and Tubid would be a huge blow for the former, which is aiming for a grand slam this season.
“It is for (the fracas) that we’ve come to this decision, even if it impacts our bid for a second franchise grand slam,” the statement read. “Our commitment now, moving forward, is that we will work doubly hard and play our very best, for our fans and for the organization.” (PNA)
