MANILA, Philippines - Burger King skipper Wynne Arboleda has been summoned to appear at the PBA Commissioner’s Office tomorrow and is likely to draw severe sanction for attacking a heckling fan during the second period of the BK-Smart Gilas tiff at the Araneta Coliseum Friday.
Arboleda has issued a public apology and, at the same time, raised an appeal to the PBA “to recognize that provocations and invectives unnecessarily test our limitations, and that proper behavior must also be expected from the basketball fans.”
The BK management also issued a statement, saying it will never condone such behavior and will accept whatever sanction the Commissioner’s Office would impose.
Big Dome security personnel said the involved fan, a certain Alain Katigbak, immediately underwent medical test then proceeded to the nearby Central Police District office to file charges against Arboleda.
The hard-nosed BK guard was caught on camera attacking Katigbak on his courtside seat, unleashing at least four blows before being restrained by the security men.
It would be remembered that San Miguel players Danny Ildefonso and Marc Pingris drew a game suspension plus a heavy fine just for an attempt to attack a heckler during the recent Fiesta Conference finale.
“I take full responsibility and express regret over the unfortunate incident. 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,” said Arboleda.
“Even as I apologize to Alain Katigbak and his family, as well as the PBA fans, 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,” Arboleda also said.
“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,” Arboleda added.
The BK management condemned the act.
“Provoked or otherwise, it was wrong of him to go after a PBA fan,” said BK top honcho Lito Alvarez, who is the current chairman of the PBA board of governors.
“Fans are the lifeblood of the PBA, and their best interest is paramount among the league’s priorities,” Alvarez added.
“As an organization, Burger King upholds the highest standards of professionalism and fair play, and it has never nor will it ever condone such behavior. The incident was a sad chapter in our existence as a PBA franchise and in no way reflects how much we esteem all those who support the league.”