A day after his racist gesture and controversial remarks towards Terrence Jones, Arwind Santos finally broke his silence regarding the incident.
And after deep thought, the 38-year-old cager made a public apology to Jones through his official Instagram account.
“First of all, I would like to say sorry to Terrence Jones. I didn’t mean anything bad for you. I hope you forgive me,” the former PBA Most Valuable Player expressed.
“I want to say sorry again.”
During Game Five of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Santos was seen mimicking a monkey after Jones committed a turnover minutes before the first half ended.
Instead of apologizing to Jones after the game, Santos dug his heels in, saying, “Magso-sorry ako? Hindi.
“Kasi depende yun sa kanya. Kung mapipikon siya, totoong monkey siya. Kung ‘di ka mapipikon, ‘di ka monkey. Kami nanga-asar lang.”
Santos’ remarks caused a firestorm, as many were surprised at his defiance.
A day later, he was filled with regret.
“Gusto ko humingi ng taos pusong pagpapatawad sa mga fans ng TNT, San Miguel, PBA, at sa lahat po ng mga nasaktan. Wala po akong masamang intensyon. Inaamin ko po na nagkamali ako. Sana mapatawad ninyo ako,” he shared.
“Tao lang ako, nagkakamali rin po ako. Sana po mapatawad niyo po ako. Sorry.”
League commissioner Willie Marcial is currently investigating the incident.
On the other hand, Jones and the brass of TNT want swift action against Santos. They that regarding this as a warning is only a slap on the wrist compared to the gravity of his actions.