Ismael Romero should apologize for Dubai incident, thinks Trillo

Meralco Bolts’ Ismael Romero during a game in the EASL. –EASL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco coach Luigi Trillo believes import Ismael Romero needs to show remorse for kicking former PBA player Nick Demusis during a game in the Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament several weeks ago.

While he commended Romero for being in his best behavior during the Bolts’ 88-79 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the East Asia Super League on Wednesday, Trillo also said the Puerto Rican big man should express regret over his actions.

“I think he has to answer the press if he gets a chance, maybe show a little bit of humility and apologize,” Trillo said of Romero, adding that “it’s the first time it happened to him.”

Romero was playing for Al Ahli in the Dubai competition when he kicked Demusis of the Zamboanga Valientes twice while the former Phoenix and Rain or Shine forward was down on the floor.

He was later banned from the rest of the competition, though the controversy could face complications over his possible stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, with the Bolts eyeing the 6-foot-9 big man as reinforcement.

“I know it happened away [from the Philippines] and that’s now with Meralco,” said Trillo. “But now that he’s part of our family, he has to carry himself better. And he’s just human. What he did was wrong and I hope he can apologize.

“But I hope our fellow Filipinos can give him a chance, a second chance. I mean, guys have been banned from our league. Some of the greatest players have been banned from our league and they’ve come back. He just needs to admit his wrongdoing and hopefully meet with Demusis.”

Romero politely declined to be interviewed as he left the Big Dome with 24 points and nine rebounds in the defeat that ended Meralco’s bid for a spot in the six-team EASL Finals in Macau.

“I think he showed that he was able to keep his composure,” said Trillo.