Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao did not take back his comments on Ivan Johnson even after the league had downgraded the Tropang TNT import’s penalty to a season-long suspension and a 150,000-peso fine.
“Maybe we will see him next year,” Guiao said in jest Wednesday night, before turning into a more serious mode.
“I maintain what I’ve said. He is a world-class a–hole. I think we’ve just been shown a reason why he was banned from the Korean league. I also think he should have (already) been banned last year, with what he did to Paul (Lee) and before that,” Guiao said, citing a previous experience wherein Lee lost a tooth on a play after Johnson had inadvertently hit Lee in the face with his forearm on a drive last season.
Guiao also questioned the apology, again stating the damage Johnson has done previously.
“Before this season started he had a fight with (JP) Erram, then 16 minutes into the game, he got ejected. So what does that say about his character? Ano ba ang papaniwalaan natin, yung lahat na nangyari na yun o yung isang apology niya? So what should we believe? To me, actions speak louder than words,” he said.
The Elasto Painters mentor added Johnson acts like a bully in the league.
“One thing I like to emphasize, bisita natin siya, inentertain natin siya, pero ang sinasaktan niya, mga Pinoy, binubully niya. Naliliitan siya satin. Maliit daw tayo masyado sa kanya eh,” Guiao said.
“Binu-bully niya ang mga Pinoy. Hindi naman siya nakikipag-away sa kapwa niya import. Lahat ng incidents na nangyari, yung mga Pinoy ang involved o victims. So why should we welcome him in this country? He is not welcomed in Korea, they know what he’s done. He’s not welcome in the NBA. And then after what he has done to us, we still welcome him? Paniniwalaan natin yung apology niya? Ang daling gumawa ng apology. Pero yung damage na ginawa niya, hindi naman siya nagso-sorry noon eh.”
Guiao concluded by saying: “I think he deserves a lifetime ban but we respect what the Commissioner has decided on.”
