Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
“Racism is never justifiable.”
That was the message of Chris Ross hours after the heated duel between San Miguel and NLEX on Friday.
The reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year refused to talk to the media after the Beermen’s 109-98 victory over the Road Warriors but posted the message on his Instagram stories.
Screenshot from Chris Ross’ Instagram account.
According to San Miguel coach Leo Austria, Ross was reportedly on the receiving end of a racial slur from NLEX coach Yeng Guiao when the two but heads late in the game. He blew a gasket and was ejected with 1:46 left to play.
Guiao, though, denied that he used the derogatory word n****r on Ross, but admitted to flashing the dirty finger.
READ: Austria says ‘racial slur’ provoked Ross; Guiao denies using N-word
Teammate Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, meanwhile, leapt to Ross’ defense and related his own experiences regarding race and equality.
On Twitter, the Filipino-American forward said that the alleged racist remark from Guiao was nothing new to him.
“As a black man who grew up in America, my self and my ancestors strived for our values and worth to be seen through our work ethic. To be criticized for our skin color is demeaning, demoralizing, and should not be tolerated,” he said.
“Fil-Am, Fil-foreigner, or local, we are one. For the thousands of Filipinos I’ve met and played with, these remarks don’t define us as people. From a father who only wants the best for his mixed children’s futures, there should be no tolerance on hate and bigotry.”