Poy Erram and Paul Varilla have issued separate public apologies on Wednesday for their actions during NLEX’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal meeting with NorthPort last Monday.
Their apologies, which they posted on NLEX’s official social media account, were directed to the Batang Pier, especially Michael Qualls and Christian Standhardinger; to the Road Warriors; to the fans and the league.
“Paulit ulit kong pinagiisipan ang nangyari sa last game namin. Nagsisisi ako sa ginawa ko,” wrote Erram.
“To Michael Qualls, I’m sorry for hurting you in our last game. I also want to apologize to coach Pido [Jarencio] for my behavior. My first instinct was to defend my teammate and I let my emotions get the better of me. My temper is not an excuse.
“Humihingi din ako ng paumanhin sa teammates, coaches at management ng NLEX, pati rin sa PBA at sa lahat ng fans. Bilang atleta at tatay, responsibilidad kong maging good example sa iba. I am truly sorry. This is on me. I promise you this will be the last of my unnecessary actions and I’ll do my best to earn back your trust,” Erram added.
On the other hand, Varilla wrote, “Basketball is more than the score, it’s a game that we are supposed to honor. I take responsibility for my actions in our last game against Northport.
“As a rookie, this is the first time that I have been in a situation like that. I reacted out of pain and hurt, and did not take the time to think of how my actions could hurt others. To Michael Qualls, Christian Standhardinger, the NLEX organization, the PBA, and all our fans who I disappointed with my behavior, I sincerely apologize.
“I am learning, and I commit myself to becoming a better athlete and person,” his post closed.
Erram and Varilla have been the talk of the town lately for their involvement in a scuffle late in the match, which the Batang Pier won, 115-90.
The commotion started when Qualls attacked the rim and inadvertently landed on the chest of Varilla. The latter took issue with the action, charging towards the NBA G-League veteran.
Erram then came into the defense of Varilla as he swung his arm and hit Qualls’ nape. Varilla, meanwhile, pushed Standhardinger while the Fil-German center tried to pacify him.
Erram and Varilla were both assessed with a flagrant foul penalty two, leading to their ejection.
Commissioner Willie Marcial summoned the pair on Tuesday before sanctioning them with a one-game suspension each. Erram was also fined Php50,000, while Varilla was penalized Php40,000.
They will not play in the Road Warriors’ knockout match versus the Batang Pier this Wednesday.
