Racela says he didn’t start verbal joust against Chua

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

TNT head coach Nash Racela said it wasn’t him who ignited the word war against Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua during the halftime break of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals game 3.

Racela and Chua engaged in a shouting match and traded barbs at the tunnel of Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday when the two teams headed into their locker rooms.

The TNT coach, though, did not divulge into details about the altercation.

READ: Racela, Chua engage in shouting match at halftime 

“You guys want to know the truth?” asked Racela in Filipino to the members of the media who talked to him after TNT’s 1006-103 loss to the Gin Kings.

“I might be fined if I say too much but you all know me, I won’t start something.”

Racela and Chua had already exchanged heated words during the second quarter when TNT import Glen Rice Jr. and Ginebra rookie Kevin Ferrer got tangled up several times.

READ: Nash Racela throws shade at ‘perfectly officiated ball game’

It wasn’t until cooler heads prevailed that the two men were separated as Ginebra head coach Tim Cone pulled Chua into the Gin Kings’ locker while PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa played peacemaker.

“You guys know me too well, and you also know the other guys too well. That’s all I can say,” said Racela.