Arwind Santos fined 200K for racial gesture, to undergo community service, counseling

The PBA on Thursday impoaed stiff penalties for Arwind Santos’ actions during Game 5 of the San Miguel-TNT KaTropa PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series.

Santos was caught doing a monkey gesture directed to TNT import Terrence Jones. After the game, which they won 99-94, Santos defended his actions by saying it was just part of mind games.

Jones and TNT KaTropa team manager Gabby Cui have issued statements condemning the act.

And on Thursday, the PBA announced that Santos has been fined 200,000 pesos on top of 100 hours community service. He should also undergo counseling and attend seminars on racism and discrimination.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said in a statement: “Walang lugar ang racial discrimination sa basketball at sports in general at sa PBA in particular. Hindi pinahihintulutan ng liga yung mga ganung aksyon, at kung maulit pa, mas mabigat na sanction ang ipapataw natin.”

Santos has since apologized for his actions, posting on Twitter a video.

Game 6 is set for Friday with the Beermen leading 3-2.