HERE’S proof that emotions can get the best of you.
The Japan B. League meted out a two-game suspension and a 100,000 yen (P43,800) fine on Thirdy Ravena after the high-flying wingman’s outburst following San-En’s loss to Toyama last Sunday.
The ban and fine meant Ravena will sit out NeoPhoenix’s matches against the SeaHorses Mikawa on Dec. 4 and 5 at home.
Ravena readily apologized for his uncharacteristic actions.
“To the NeoPhoenix boosters, sponsors, management, my teammates and coaches, especially the Toyama Grouses organization, sponsors, everyone involved, I deeply apologize that something like this happened,” Ravena said.
“With the series of losses and personal bad games, I let my emotions get the best of me and the chance of actually winning a game but losing it because of me was just too much at that point. Again, I apologize to everyone,” he added.
The 6-foot-2 Ravena’s frustration came after he muffed a potential game-tying free throw and a follow-up try with 0.7 seconds left that allowed the Grouses to escape with a 90-89 cliffhanger.
After the game, Ravena reportedly damaged a sponsor signboard on the baseline in a show of dejection.
He was later seen on TV being consoled by Fil-Am guard Dwight Ramos and former TNT import Joshua Smith.
“As a GM, I would like to sincerely apologize not only to the fans and partners who love the San-En NeoPhoenix, but also to Toyama Grouses and all those who love B. League. We will inform the staff and players that it is an important role as a professional not to make fans and partners sad,” San-En general manager Hideki Higashi said.
“Lastly, I would like to ask Thirdy Ravena to look back on what a professional is, and to be a representative player of the B. League, and to instruct him to act with a firm mind on a regular basis.”
Ravena is averaging 12.9 points, to go with 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his second year with the NeoPhoenix. San-En is sporting a 3-11 and has lost six straight.
