MANILA -- The Philippine Basketball Association slapped Arwind Santos with a PHP200,000 fine for his racial remark on Terrence Jones in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals between San Miguel and TNT.
The Beerman was seen flashing a monkey gesture on the KaTropa's import, which according to the former was just a part of the mind games.
The gesture did not sit well with fans of TNT and even SMB as well as Jones, Ginebra's Joe Devance, and actress Jackie Forster among other prominent figures who aired their takes on the unsportsmanlike move.
Santos, through a video posted on his Twitter and Instagram accounts, eventually apologized to Jones, saying, "I didn't mean anything bad for you. I hope you forgive me. I wanna say sorry again."
He also asked for forgiveness from his fans and his critics, saying, "Gusto ko ring humingi ng taos-pusong pagpapatawad sa mga fans ng Talk 'n Text, San Miguel, PBA, at sa lahat po ng nasaktan. Wala po akong masamang intensyon. Inaamin ko po. Mali po ako (I also want to ask forgiveness from the fans of Talk 'N Text, San Miguel, PBA and all those I've offended. I have no bad intention. I admit. I made a mistake)."
Santos will also undergo 100 hours of community service and counseling for equality and racial discrimination.
Santos, however, was not given a suspension, meaning he can play for the Beermen as they try to clinch the title away from the KaTropa in Game 6 of the best-of-seven series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night. (PNA)
