Tim Cone and Franz Pumaren were on opposing ends during the Ginebra-Globalport bout Tuesday night, but both mentors agreed on one thing — coaches shouldn’t be whistled for technical fouls in trying to prevent fights on the court.
The veteran tacticians’ statements came after their quarterfinal bout was marred by a late-game incident between LA Tenorio and Terrence Romeo, which saw the latter give the former a swinging backfist directly to the rib.
The Barangay went on to win, 96-85, and barge into the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
As coaches, Cone and Pumaren went inside the court to try to ease the situation. But unfortunately for them, the refereese slapped them with techs for stepping on the court — something that did not sit well with them.
“I got a technical for going on the court but for 27 years, I’ve always felt that a head coach can only go on the court when a fight or a tussle breaks out because they can be peace makers,” said the multi-titled coach.
“No one else can go on the court but head coaches — that’s always been the rule as far as I can remember. So I was shocked when they gave me a T for going on the floor because you want to get somebody out there with authority who will break that up.”
Even Pumaren echoed Cone’s statement.
“I didn’t really see the whole scenario. But I was talking to Tim Cone — we were both shocked that we were given technicals. As far as I know head coaches are allowed to enter the court. We were there not to create any fight or whatever,” said the 53-year-old.
Then again, the foul has been called, and fines will surely be handed out. But still, the two coaches iterated that they will always be there to protect their players when needed.
“I had to take the technical foul and the fine that goes with it, but I still believe that head coaches should be allowed, in those situations, to go on the court and protect his players from themselves basically,” said Cone.
“All basketball, as far as I know, head coaches are allowed to enter to pacify the players. We’re the only one allowed to enter just to make sure we put everything in order,” Pumaren voiced.
