They thought it was simply a slap on the wrist.
Not a few fans expressed dismay after the PBA slapped NorthPort Batang Pier team manager Pido Jarencio with a P20,000 fine.
This came on the heels of a verbal spat between Jarencio and NLEX Road Warriors import Thomas Robinson, which saw the NorthPort official hurling what many claim as a grave threat against the latter.
NLEX beat the Batang Pier, 112-104.
It also didn’t help that NLEX let go of Robinson after taking an unplanned vacation recently.
“We value discipline, commitment, and teamwork, and unfortunately, his taking an unplanned vacation, and skipping team practices, compromised these principles,” said NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier.
“The team’s success depends on a collective effort and a shared commitment, and we will continue to uphold these standards as we forge ahead in the season.”
The team announced on the same day Stokley Chafee Jr. will replace Robinson, who will leave a Road Warriors side toting a pedestrian 2-2 win-loss record.
Fans felt the fine on Jarencio was simply a slap on the wrist after the two exchanged verbal threats.
This prompted X user @PBAinsider to start a discussion about the unfortunate incident last week.
“What are we doing here?”
@aj_nalo feels there should at least be a suspension meted on the concurrent UST Growling Tigers coach.
“Big fine plus suspension dapat. SMH!” he said.
@Yabudabi is almost at a loss for words and instead expressed their take with several clown emojis.
But some also came to Jarencio’s defense, saying it’s part of basketball where emotions tend to run high.
“Whats the issue pogi kasama sa laro yan,” @Mayimirabueno said.
"Opinion nila 'yun. Kani-kanyang opinion 'yan," Marcial told News5's Martie Bautista. "Okay naman, ginagalang ko opinyon nila. Pero 'yun nakikita ng technical committee kung anong nararapat na sanction kay Pido so paninindigan namin yun."
(With reports from News5's Martie Bautista)
(CF)