MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel’s most decorated veteran in Arwind Santos once again tried to get under the skin of TNT import Terrence Jones in the Beermen’s 99-94 win on Wednesday night.
But it was a taunt that had racial undertones—one that earned the ire of many PBA fans on social media—that he will be most remembered for in the game.
Santos, the Beermen’s other Most Valuable Player awardee and one of the most grizzled among the team’s bevy cast of stars with eight titles, was caught by eagle-eyed spectators making monkey-like gestures directed at Jones late in the first half.
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Asked about his actions, the San Miguel forward said that it was merely to throw Jones off his game.
“Sinabi ko nga di ba, mind games ‘yun, Pero sinabihan naman ako kanina, kaya di ko na ginawa yun. Dati ginagawa ko yan, wala naman warning so OK lang. Kanina na-warning ako ni Commissioner (Willie Marcial) at ng mga coaches ko, kaya di ko na ginawa,” he said.
“Basketball ay may mind games ‘di ba? Malay mo makita niya at mapikon siya pag tinatawag siya na ganun. Eh pabor samin. Na-warning naman kami, sinabihan kami. Nakaka-intindi naman kami,” Santos added.
Santos went on to point out that he has been making such gestures as far back as his playing years with Air21.
READ: ‘Hand of God’ does it again as Arwind Santos stars in clutch anew
“Kami, noong nasa Air 21 pa ako, time nila Dorian [Pena] tinatawag namin na ganun: gorilla,” he explained. “Pero wala yun pang-asar lang ‘yun, sinusubukan mo lang mang-asar. Kasi magaling eh.”
Santos played for over 13 minutes in the contest and finished with two points and a pair of rebounds.
Curiously, Santos preached about self-restraint during a road game in Cagayan de Oro City
“Aasarin ka kasi magaling ka, kailangan mag-ready ka run. Kailangan ‘yung pasensiya mo mahaba,” Santos, talking to prized reinforcement Chris McCullough, was quoted saying in a story published on the league’s website on July 14.
Asked if he is apologetic for such gesticulation, Santos had quite the reply: “Sorry ako? Hindi.”
“Depende ‘yun sa kanya (Jones). Kung mapipikon siya, totoong monkey siya,” he said.