During the game between the San Miguel Beermen and the NLEX Road Warriors last 19 January 2018 in Cuneta Astrodome, at the 1:46 mark of the fourth quarter, there was an exchange of words between NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao and San Miguel player Chris Ross that led to a commotion.
Coach Guiao and Ross were whistled for technical fouls for verbal altercation that resulted to the ejection of the latter.
Upon review of the incident, consulting possible witnesses to the event and discussing the matter with both parties, the alleged racist remark attributed to Coach Guiao could not be established. Coach Guiao has denied such allegation while Chris Ross has opted to move forward and said that he would not want to discuss the matter further. However, Coach Guiao and Chris Ross will be subject to appropriate fines for their respective misconduct.
As a result, the Office of the Commissioner finds no sufficient basis to discuss the matter of an alleged racist remark uttered by Coach Guiao. It may be recalled that in a previous incident, a heavy penalty was imposed for a racist remark that was clearly proven.
Let me reiterate that racism has no place in the PBA. It is totally unacceptable in our society and in sports in general. The PBA will not hesitate to act if the evidence so warrants.
Sponsored content:
The PBA, its players and its officials are called upon to uphold the highest standard of respect that our youth can look upon as an example.
Rest assured that any act that is racially derogatory and pejorative in nature will be dealt with sternly by the league.
Coach Guiao is hereby fined the amount of eleven thousand pesos (Php 11,000.00) for obscene gesture, use of profane language and engaging in a verbal altercation while Ross is fined the amount of two thousand six hundred pesos (Php 2,600.00) for incurring two technical fouls, both for verbal altercation.
- Statement of OIC Willie Marcial
