Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—For Arwind Santos, San Miguel’s capture of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup meant more than just another title for his storied career.
Santos was penalized for a racial slur directed at TNT import Terrence Jones in Game 5 of the series after he danced like a monkey to taunt the 6-foot-9 big man.
READ: Arwind Santos reaches out to Terrence Jones in person before Game 6
From an initial unapologetic stance, Santos not only aired a public apology through his Twitter account but also sought Jones out personally at the start of Game 6 Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Of course I’m happy not just with the championship but also of the peace of mind before I played,” said Santos in Filipino after the Beermen’s 102-90 title-clinching win.
READ: Arwind Santos finally apologizes to Terrence Jones: I hope you forgive me
“We all know the issue, and the one lesson I learned, and I will never forget, is that I accepted this as a lesson from the Lord.”
Santos, who made things worse by initially defending his monkey gesture as just part of the “mind games,” earned the ire of the public and his peers in the league.
READ: Arwind Santos not sorry for monkey gesture towards Terrence Jones
Ginebra forward Joe Devance said what Santos did showed “his level of education and class.”
Santos, who won a ninth title on top of his 2013 MVP plum, said he found his refuge and support from the people closest to him during the tough time.
“The ones who’ve always supported me and loved me are always there in this kind of situation,” said Santos. “I’m just thankful for them and I’ve learned so much that I will take with me to the future.”