PBA Finals: TNT to foot the bill for damage in MOA Arena locker room

A look at the damage on the wall inside the TNT locker room taken after Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said on Tuesday that TNT will be footing the bill after what happened to the Tropang Giga’s designated locker room on Sunday during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 2.

“Whatever happened in that dugout, we have a procedure for that. It’s like when coaches accidentally break things [during moments of frustration],” Marcial told Inquirer Sports in a phone call.

“What will happen there is that the [PBA] will be given a billing statement by the venue, which we would then forward to the team. They’ll be paying.”

READ: PBA Finals: Poy Erram unbothered by ‘iyakin’ chants from Ginebra fans

Marcial said the the MOA Arena management immediately notified the PBA of the damage the locker room after the game and TNT was told.

When the dust settled after TNT’s 71-70 loss against Ginebra, the media were given a chance to see why bouncers flocked to the squad’s locker room.

A huge dent was seen in the corner of the dugout, seemingly caused by a hard kick.

No information was confirmed on who or what caused the hole on the wall but per Inquirer’s video on X, Poy Erram was seen heading back to the locker room after being subbed out in the second half.

READ: PBA: Khobuntin says spat with teammate Poy Erram ‘friendly fire’

Erram was erratic, kicking personnel equipment as he was being pacified by the Tropang Giga’s coaching staff. But it wasn’t confirmed whether he was the one who did the damage to the wall or not.

TNT Tropang Giga center Poy Erram during Game of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup FInals against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Marcial, though, that no fines would be handed out to whoever was responsible.

“It’s like kicking an LED screen out of frustration. When you break it, there’s a billing. If it isn’t broken, though, we’ll give you a fine,” Marcial said.

Game 3 of the Finals between Ginebra and TNT rolls on this Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.