By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) slapped NorthPort team manager Pido Jarencio with a 20,000-pesos fine after spitting verbal threats to NLEX Road Warriors’ former import Thomas Robinson.
It was PBA commissioner Willie Marcial who confirmed the recent development after the committee’s thorough review of what transpired during the event.
The incident happened last November 22, 2023, after the game between the Road Warriors and NorthPort. In a footage caught by some members of the media, Jarencio and Robinson figured in a shouting match when both teams made their way to the dugout.
Jarencio was then caught saying grave threats to Robinson in the middle of their word war, the sole reason why the American fumed in anger.
Based on the viral videos that quickly spread on both Facebook and X, Jarencio said: “I will shoot you later. Happy New Year.”
Days after the incident, Marcial said that Jarencio was quick to call him and apologized for his actions after the game.
On the other hand, Robinson will no longer continue his import stint with the Road Warriors announced by NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier.
“Thomas Robinson’s departure from the NLEX Road Warriors was a difficult but necessary decision. We value discipline, commitment, and teamwork, and unfortunately, his taking an unplanned vacation, and skipping team practices, compromised these principles,” said Fonacier.
Replacing Robinson as NLEX’s newest reinforcement is Stokley Chaffee Jr., an American bruiser from Tennessee State.
Both NorthPort and the Road Warriors are currently tied with an even 2-2 win-loss record and are aiming to win their next set of games to enter the top four in the official standings.
