Thirdy Ravena has been punished by the B.League.
Moments after San-En’s tough 90-89 loss to Toyama last Sunday, Ravena vented his frustration on a sponsor signboard that damaged it.
For that action, San-En has suspended the second-year NeoPhoenix player, alongside a fine of ¥100,000 (P43,819.55).
San-En also issued a public apology to Toyama.
“We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to Toyama, the Grouses’ partner companies, and all concerned,” read the team’s statement. “We also apologize to the fans for making them feel uncomfortable.
“We are very sorry.”
During the closing moments of the game, Ravena managed to fish a foul from Bryce Johnson as time expired. Ravena made the first free throw that sliced the Grouses’ lead to just one.
However, he missed the second one, which resulted in San-En’s sixth straight loss.
Ravena was inconsolable after the game. Not caught on camera, though, was him hitting a signboard.
“As a GM, I would like to sincerely apologize not only to the fans and partners who love the San-En NeoPhoenix, but also to the Toyama Grouses and all those who love the B.League,” said NeoPhoenix general manager Hideki Higashi. “We will remind the staff and players that it is an important role as a professional not to respect the fans and partners.
“Lastly, I would like to ask Thirdy Ravena to look back on what being a professional is, and to be a player in the B.League, and to instruct him to act with a firm mind on a regular basis.”
Ravena regretted his actions, also apologizing to Toyama in a statement.
“To the Neophoenix Boosters, sponsors, management, my teammates and coaches, especially the Toyama Grouses organization, sponsors, everyone involved, I deeply apologize that something like this happened,” he said.
“With the series of losses and personal bad games, I let my emotions get the best of me. And the chance of actually winning a game, but losing it because of me was just too much at that point,” he expressed.
“Again, I apologize to everyone.”
Ravena will serve his suspension on December 4 and 5. San-En faces Mikawa at the Toyohashi City Gymnasium.
