TNT big man Poy Erram gestures to a referee during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals game. –MARLO CUETO/IINQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–A video of Poy Erram being hurled with insults by fans has emerged after the TNT center let out his frustration on the incident that marred Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ara Rustia Duma posted a six-second reel on her Facebook account showing one heckler shouting unsavory remarks that involved Erram’s mother, prompting Poy, who was standing at the side of the free throw line, to turn around.
“Erram, b___ nanay mo! (Erram, your mother’s s_____),” the fan said on the video.
The video has since been shared or uploaded to a number of basketball-related pages on social media.
Erram was later seen approaching the league’s technical committee to address the situation immediately after TNT’s 117-103 defeat.
“I don’t mind being insulted by fans. I have no problem with that,” an emotional Erram told reporters in Filipino. “Just don’t insult my parents, my kids or my wife, because if they do, it’s a different story.”
TNT center Poy Erram lets out his frustration on fans who shouted "below the belt" remarks at him during Game 3 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
"Kung babastusin nila ako, okay lang. Walang problema. Basta wag nila idamay magulang ko, anak ko, asawa ko" @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/5LUEqt55sD
— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) April 14, 2023
Erram said the insult is a touchy situation since his mother had recently suffered a stroke in the United States.
“They should do something to protect the players because it’s not okay. It’s below the belt and we’re only human beings,” he added.
Erram has been the subject of jeering and online bashing since the start of the series for his habit of complaining at officiating and pinching Christian Standhardinger which led to his sixth foul in Game 1.
But the incident somewhat came amid Erram’s best game of the series, posting 14 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
The performance, however, didn’t translate into a victory for the Tropang Giga, who now trail 2-1 in the championship tussle.