The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) handed down its severest penalty to date, suspending veteran Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda without pay for the rest of the 2009-10 Season for attacking a fan in their recent game where BK was up against Smart-Gilas Pilipinas.
BK guard admitted that he lost his temper after being provoked by Smart-Gilas fan Alain Katigbak who was seated at the special ringside section across the Whoppers’ bench.
After the incident BK Whoppers Governor Mr. Alvarez made his statement and said, “Burger King management is deeply saddened at how one of our players, Wynne Arboleda, conducted himself during our game with the Smart-Gilas national team last October 16 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Provoked or otherwise, it was wrong of him to go after a PBA fan, and I, as chairman of the Board of Governors and Burger King team manager, sincerely apologize to the offended spectator.
Fans are the lifeblood of the PBA, and their best interest is paramount among the league’s priorities.
As an organization, Burger King upholds the highest standards of professionalism and fair play, and it has never nor will it ever condone such behavior.
Our player has expressed remorse over what he has done. Nevertheless, we pledge to submit to whatever sanction the Commissioner’s Office would deem commensurate to the act.
The incident was a sad chapter in our existence as a PBA franchise and in no way reflects how much we esteem all those who support the league regardless of which side they come from.
Again, Burger King apologizes to the Smart Gilas fan and to the millions more who follow the PBA through 35 years of glorious existence.”
Followed by Wynne’s official apology: “I take full responsibility and express regret over the unfortunate incident that involved me and a PBA fan during the Burger King- SMART Gilas game on 16 October 2009. My action was provoked by the incessant name-calling and cursing uttered by the said fan particularly to me each time I was within hearing distance. The continuous barrage of invectives and insults towards my person, my family and my team were just too difficult to withstand.
Much to my regret, I lost my composure. I realize that this type of behavior by some PBA fans should be considered by players as part of the game and that these usually challenge the emotional capacity of players and other athletes. Even as I take this opportunity to apologize to Allain Katigbak and his family, as well as the PBA fans for this unfortunate incident, at the same time, I raise an appeal on behalf of other players to the PBA to recognize that provocations and invectives directed towards specific players unnecessarily test our limitations and that proper behavior must also be expected from the basketball fans. Such an incident has happened in previous games. There should be ways devised to appeal to both players and the public as to the proper decorum and respect we should accord each other.
Thank you for taking time to hear my apology.”
