PBA: Pido Jarencio gets fine, warning for verbal spat with ex-NLEX import

MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort team manager Pido Jarencio was fined P20,000 and given a stern warning after making threatening remarks at then-NLEX import Thomas Robinson following the PBA Commissioner’s Cup game pitting both teams last week.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement Wednesday, seven days after the incident which saw Jarencio being heard shouting “grave threats” at Robinson at the hallway of Smart Araneta Coliseum where the dugouts of both teams are located.

“Malamang sa susunod na gawin niya, pwedeng fine, suspension o pareho,” Marcial told reporters.

Marcial also explained that the delay of the decision had to do with initially having to wait for Robinson to come back from a family vacation that came after the contest.

But NLEX had to send home Robinson in dismay over his “unplanned vacation” and subsequently missing practices.

“Kaya hindi pa kami kaagad makapagdesisyon nang di pa namin naririnig pareho. Unfair naman yun,” Marcial said.

The PBA chief is aware of the clamor from fans to make a speedy decision, especially from those who thought that NLEX’s move to replace Robinson with Stockley Chaffee had to do with the verbal spat with Jarencio.

“Baka akala nila dinribol-dribol [yung desisyon],” Marcial said. “Nung nalaman kong wala nang kontrata [sa NLEX si Robinson], nag-usap na kami ng technical committee kung ano ang recommendation nila.”

Robinson exchanged words with Jarencio and team governor Erick Arejola during the third quarter before tensions continued postgame where Jarencio continued to shout at Robinson.