Santos draws P.2M fine for racial taunt

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA slapped San Miguel Beer forward Arwind Santos with a hefty P200,000 fine for his “monkey gesture” directed at TNT import Terrence Jones in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals. 

Stressing that racial discrimination has no place in the league, Commissioner Willie Marcial meted the fine on Santos after getting his side yesterday and required him to “render 100 hours of community service and undergo seminar and counseling on equality and racial discrimination.” 

He warned of severe penalties for a repeat offense. 

Santos claimed it was part of “mind games” but Jones tagged it as “racism” that shouldn’t be tolerated.

“This wasn’t a case of ‘mind games’ in an athletic competition – it was racism. Period. And it is unacceptable,” Jones posted on Instagram yesterday. 

“Swift, significant action needs to be taken by the PBA to send a STRONG, clear message that racism in any form is UNACCEPTABLE will NOT be tolerated,” he added. 

Hours later, Santos took to Twitter to issue an apology to Jones. 

“I don’t mean anything bad for you. I hope you forgive me. I wanna say I’m sorry,” he said in a video message. 

He extended his sorry to fans of TNT and SMB, the PBA and everyone his action offended. 

“Wala po akong masamang intensyon, inaamin ko pong mali ako, sana po mapatawad nyo ako,” he said. 

TNT team manager Gabby Cui said Santos’ action mocked not only Jones but even his own teammates. 

“It’s sad that Arwind, who has so much experience and championships, will have to resort to that. 

“He should know better and look at his own teammates before doing those actions. It’s disrespectful even to them,” he said

Jones said as a father and black man, he couldn’t ignore this. 

“I came to the PBA to play – and to share my talent – in a country where I have tremendous respect for its culture and its people,” Jones said.

 “My son is of Filipino descent. I cannot and will not tolerate racial slurs and gestures. They’re not only disrespectful to me but to my family and my race. I teach my son to be proud of who he is and to be respectful of all,” he added.