Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer on Wednesday announced it has suspended Arwind Santos, Kelly Nabong and Ronald Tubid for their involvement in a fight that broke out during practice last Sunday.
The announcement came just hours before the Beermen’s crucial clash against the TNT KaTropa at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“The management of the San Miguel Beermen has decided to indefinitely suspend Arwind Santos, Kelly Nabong, and Ronald Tubid, following a tussle that broke at team practice last November 17,” San Miguel said in a statement.
“While the conflict has been resolved, and the incident occurred away from the public eye, the San Miguel organization does not tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior.”
The team, however, did not say what caused the fight.
“Basketball is a physical game where emotions can run high, but we believe that PBA players have to be held to a higher standard of professionalism and sportsmanship at all times.”
“It is for this reason that we’ve come to this decision, even if it impacts our bid for a second franchise grand slam. Our commitment now, moving forward, is that we will work doubly hard and play our very best, for our fans and for the organization.”
Santos has been instrumental in the Beermen’s championship runs and he continues to play a key role for his team, averaging 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds 1.5 blocks in 30 minutes through 10 games in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
San Miguel Beer is currently in fifth place in the standings with a 6-4 record.