SAN Miguel Beer’s grand slam hopes just suffered a very big hit.
Beermen management yesterday indefinitely suspended players Arwind Santos, Kelly Nabong and Ronald Tubid for figuring in an altercation that also featured import Dez Wells and marred their practice last Sunday.
SMB officials had previously remained mum on the issue but announced the suspensions through a statement released to the media yesterday.
The statement said that while the conflict has been resolved, it does not tolerate “unsportsmanlike behavior” and believe that PBA players “have to be held to a higher standard of professionalism and sportsmanship at all times.”
“Basketball is a physical game where emotions can run high, but we believe that PBA players have to be held to a higher standard of professionalism and sportsmanship at all times,” the statement added.
“It is for this reason that we’ve come to this decision, even if it impacts our bid for a second franchise grand slam. Our commitment now, moving forward, is that we will work doubly hard and play our very best, for our fans and for the organization.”
Wells has reportedly left the country since last Tuesday, sparing him from any sanction.
Wells reportedly took exception to a hard pick by Santos with Tubid and Nabong joining in. Punches were reportedly thrown.
The suspensions and Wells’ departure means SMB went up against TNT later last night with a thin frontline in the absence of Santos and Nabong and John Holland as import.
