“Even granting that said fan was foul-mouthed and verbally abusive as confirmed by reports to us, there is a ‘line’ that a PBA player cannot and should not cross: to physically harm a fan”
Wayne Arboleda of Burger King Whopper’s was penalize by suspension without pay for the rest of the 2009-2010 Season by the Philippine Basketball Association as a result of his misconduct during Whopper’s game against Smart-Gilas at the Araneta Coliseum last Friday. Arboleda inflected a kick and some punches to a certain Allain Katigbak before Arboleda was stopped by co-players and referees.
As a result of the suspension, Arboleda will lose a total of P2.73 million income not including won games, advancements, and player bonuses.
Commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios pointed out to Arboleda that “Even granting that said fan was foul-mouthed and verbally abusive as confirmed by reports to us, there is a ‘line’ that a PBA player cannot and should not cross: to physically harm a fan” Barrios added that “A repeat of the same or similar act will result in a lifetime ban from the league.”
As a contracted PBA player, Arboleda is not allowed to play in any other league in spite the suspension.
As a result of this incident Aboleda made a public apology: (below)
I take full responsibility and express regret over the unfortunate incident that involved me and a PBA fan during the Burger King- SMART Gilas game on 16 October 2009. My action was provoked by the incessant name-calling and cursing uttered by the said fan particularly to me each time I was within hearing distance.
The continuous barrage of invectives and insults towards my person, my family and my team were just too difficult to withstand.
Much to my regret, I lost my composure. I realize that this type of behavior by some PBA fans should be considered by players as part of the game and that these usually challenge the emotional capacity of players and other athletes.
Even as I take this opportunity to apologize to Allain Katigbak and his family, as well as the PBA fans for this unfortunate incident, at the same time, I raise an appeal on behalf of other players to the PBA to recognize that provocations and invectives directed towards specific players unnecessarily test our limitations and that proper behavior must also be expected from the basketball fans.
Such an incident has happened in previous games. There should be ways devised to appeal to both players and the public as to the proper decorum and respect we should accord each other.
Thank you for taking time to hear my apology.
Wynne Arboleda
Burger King Basketball Team
