Terrence Jones calls Arwind Santos’ monkey gesture a case of ‘racism’

TNT KaTropa import Terrence Jones and team manager Gabby Cui issued statements following San Miguel Beermen forward Arwind Santos’ “monkey” gesture caught on tape during Game 5 of the squads’ PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.

Cui wrote on a social media post that racism “should never have a place in sports and in life,” adding that the case should be the same for jokes or mind games.

“It’s sad that Arwind, who has so much experience and championships, will have to resort to that.

He should know better and look at his own teammates before doing those actions.. It’s disrespectful even to them.

The PBA should look into this incident closely. It’s not what our league is about,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Jones, said: “As a father and a black man, this can’t be ignored. I came to the PBA to play – and to share my talent – in a country where I have tremendous respect for its culture and its people.”

Jones, whose son is part Filipino, added that he “cannot and will not tolerate racial slurs and gestures. They’re not only disrespectful to me but my family and race. I teach my son to be proud of who he is and be respectful to all. This isn’t a case of mind games … this is racism. Period.”

The KaTropa lost Game 5, 99-94 as the Beermen zoomed to 3-2 lead in the series.