The main event of Holy Wednesday’s double-header proved to be an emotional one for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Phoenix Fuel Masters. On one end, the Elasto Painters conquered a 17-point third quarter deficit while on the other, the Fuel Masters dropped their fourth game of the conference in the worst way.
When the dust had cleared at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, emotions ran high between two particular members of both teams. Just as the two teams converged to the dugout after the game, Phoenix assistant coach Nic Belasco and Rain or Shine import Shawn Taggart figured into a heated exchange that resulted to the 43-year-old former PBA player grabbing Taggart’s chin.
Rain or Shine players and officials separated the two while commissioner Chito Narvasa immediately summoned Belasco to his office.
The 32-year-old Taggart, who finished the game with 20 points and 17 rebounds, had security escort him to the parking lot after Rain or Shine’s pep talk.
“I don’t need no security,” the native of Richmond, Virginia quipped.
When asked for a quick interview, Taggart politely declined saying, “No interview [for now]. I know why you guys want to interview me.
“Go talk to him.”
Belasco, who played in the PBA for 14 years, sincerely apologized for what transpired.
“It was a really competitive basketball game, so there’s a lot of competition, tempers flaring, and you know, it was a man’s game. Rain or Shine outplayed us and things happened. It’s unfortunate,” the eight-time PBA champion said.
“I apologize for being part of that. I don’t want to do anything bad to hurt the league or Phoenix or Rain or Shine. That’s the only thing I really regret about –- shedding bad light on the PBA.”
When asked what triggered the post-game incident, Belasco did not elaborate on it, only saying that it’s up to the masses to judge on it.
“I’m not going to put blame on anybody. They came back and won a really competitive game. We were up by 17, so everything that happened after the game, it’s on video,” he furthered.
“Everyone can make their own opinions about it, but I’m not going to blame anyone.”
And both players should expect a hefty fine for the unnecessary skirmish that happened.
