San Miguel Beer forward Arwind Santos was fined P200,000 by the PBA for his monkey gesture directed at TNT import Terrence Jones in the second quarter of Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday.
Commissioner Willie Marcial, who summoned Santos on Thursday, said the San Miguel player will also render 100 hours of community service and undergo seminar and counseling on equality and racial discrimination.
“Racial discrimination has no place in basketball and sports in general and the PBA in particular,” Marcial said in Filipino. “The PBA will never allow such acts and if he does it again, the league will hand out a stiffer penalty.”
“As the commissioner, I am asking for the understanding from Mr. Jones and his family,” Marcial went on. “The PBA is home to all players and doesn’t look at color or race.”
Marcial said Santos was apologetic during the meeting.
“He (Santos) asked for forgiveness from the fans, Terrence Jones and the entire TNT team.”
Marcial said Santos will also issue a public apology.
The SMB star came under fire after he was seen dancing like a monkey at the sidelines after Jones was called for a foul late in the second quarter of Game 5 eventually won by the Beermen, 99-94, for 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven title series.