Arwind Santos was the least surprised to see Terrence Romeo snap during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the San Miguel Beermen’s 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Finals series versus the Magnolia Hotshots, Friday evening.
Romeo got booted out with 6:23 to go in the final quarter – with San Miguel ahead big, 96-80 – for incurring two straight technical fouls. He disrespectfully addressed an official, having given referee Peter Balao an earful.
The reason behind the six-year pro’s outrage was that he felt like there were bad calls on him. “Para sa akin, napansin ko kasi yung referee, kanina pa niya ko tinatawagan ng mali. ‘Yun lang ‘yung mainit sa akin tingin ko,” Romeo said.
The flamboyant guard was fuming and nearly out of control; so much that SMB team governor Robert Non had to restrain him.
“Si Terrence naman kasi, talagang may ganun ata siyang emosyon, ‘di niya mapigilan,” said Santos after their 108-101 win. “Kanina nung na-technical siya nung una, inis na inis siya. Nag-iba na kaagad emotion niya, nagalit kaagad.
“Akala nga nung referee sasapakin siya kasi umilag ‘yung referee ng ganon eh. May sinabi talaga na bad word si Terrence kaya siya tinechnical.”
The former league Most Valuable Player also admitted that he had really wanted to help control his fellow Far Eastern University alumnus when he went berserk. Unfortunately though, he was too late, and the damage was already done.
“Ang problema kay Terrence pagka umuusok yung ilong, pati tenga umuusok eh, ‘di nakakarinig minsan,” Santos rued.
“Kaya kanina sinabihan ko siya, tapos bumalik pa siya sa referee. Nagsalita siya ng ano, narinig pa ng referee. Kung pwede nga lang takpan ko yung bibig niya, pero ‘di talaga eh, narinig na ng referee. Wala na ‘ko nagawa.”
Now, Santos hopes that the 27-year-old scorer won’t incur a suspension for his actions, since he knows Romeo is a big boost to the Beermen. Romeo had 13 points and two rebounds in Game Two.
“Sana wala siyang suspension, si Terrence malaking bagay pa rin yan, makakatulong pa rin sa team yan.”
The 37-year-old Santos also hopes that Romeo will learn to keep his emotions in check next time.
“Ang request ko lang kay Terrence, kailangan yung emosyon niya mapigilan niya sa mga ganung situwasyon, lalo na lamang naman kami. Panalo na tayo, dapat ‘wag na. Kahit papaano, negative vibes ‘yan sa team.”
