ROS backs Yeng move, to pay P2M fine

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine yesterday said it will pay the P2 million PBA fine for its walkout stunt in Game Six of the Philippine Cup title series even as it reiterated its continued support to coach Yeng Guiao.

“We’ll pay. It’s moot and academic,” Rain or Shine co-owner Raymund Yu told The STAR after PBA commissioner Chito Salud slapped the team the hefty fine for what he ruled as “partial walkout” during the second quarter of Game Six which San Mig Coffee won en route to the championship.

It was the biggest fine ever meted out in the league over a game-related incident.

Salud said the league penalized Rain or Shine “for subverting public interest and the integrity of the game.”

Salud handed down the decision after a meeting with Rain or Shine co-owners Terry Que and Yu, governor Mert Mondragon, Guiao and team manager Boy Lapid.

“Public interest dictates that walkouts can never be condoned – whether in a finals game or not,” said Salud. “A walkout represents a total disregard of the principles and values we want our players and teams to zealously uphold: sportsmanship and the tenet that public and fan interest is paramount.”

During the meeting, Guiao said it was not a premeditated move, and acknowledged that it was his decision to leave the playing court with the players.

Nonetheless, the Rain or Shine management stressed they’re still behind their coach.

“Meron kaming pinagsamahan, walang iwanan (We’re together. We don’t leave anybody behind),” said Yu.

“We’re not saying that it (the walkout) is right. But this thing happened spontaneously. It’s Game Six and emotions were high. Everything happened quickly in the heat of the moment. Actually, it didn’t hit me until I saw our utility guy pulling our cooler towards the dugout,” Yu pointed out.

“I hurried, but when I got there, there’s already a decision made by coach Yeng and Atty. Mert,” Yu added.

The affable Rain or Shine boss said they’re ready to move on, hoping to again be in the thick of things in the next conference starting Wednesday.

Yu said their biggest consolation was becoming a part of the great series.

Rain or Shine was the fourth team in league history to stage a walkout. Anejo Rum (P550,000 in 1990) and Talk n Text (P1 million in 2010) were fined for walking out and refusing to finish a playoff game. 

Red Bull had its walkout attempt in 2006 but returned to play in time.

The league board revised their rules on walkout, increasing the penalty after the 2010 incident.