RAYMOND Almazan of Rain or Shine wards off Ginebra’s James Forester in last night’s game at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines-After their pro-wrestling like antics, Rain or Shine big men Beau Belga and Raymond Almazan asked for an apology from the league and fans.
Belga and Almazan was on the crossfire of Ginebra fans during their game on Sunday at Cuneta Astrodome and on Tuesday they went out of the PBA Commissioner’s office P110,000 poorer.
“I just wanna say sorry for what I have done,” Belga told Spin.ph. I’m sorry. I really am. Now I know the value of the fans. I just wanted to compete and win.”
Belga paid a hefty fine of P70,000 while his frontcourt partner Almazan paid P40,000 in one of the ugliest scenes in the PBA in recent memory.
READ: Belga fined P70K for unsportsmanlike conduct; Almazan, Peña also penalized
As Belga and Ginebra veteran Mark Caguioa got tangled on the floor, things got out of hand and water bottles were thrown at the court from the bleachers. In separate instances, Belga also landed on diminutive Ginebra guard Emman Monfort, threw a middle finger, did the D-Generation X “suck it” as he and Almazan taunted the crowd.
READ: Rain or Shine’s Belga loves playing amid boos from pro-Ginebra crowd
Belga said that upon hearing PBA Commissioner Chito Salud’s discourse of the fans as an important part of the league, he had to take the back seat.
For Almazan, he was apologetic but sent a message to the fans to tone down on the profanities.
“I, as a player, am new to the league. But us players we also have feelings,” Almazan said. To the fans, please watch your words because it also becomes hurtful to us.”
“It’s not only us but our wives are also sitting behind our bench.”