Poy Erram admits seeking help after being in a 'hard place'

Poy Erram has been at the center of controversies in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup as he was involved in multiple verbal spats with his own teammate and coach no less.

But acknowledging his shortcomings and offering no excuses, the Tropang Giga big man shared that he has been seeking professional help in hopes to address his mental struggles that came since the loss of a loved one.

"I’ve been really in a hard place. Hindi ko kasi siya na-address, ngayon parang nagbabayad ako do’n," Erram said on Wednesday.

"Pero most importantly, I’m seeking help and hindi ako natatakot sabihin na humihingi ako ng tulong kasi kailangan ko para sa team at para sa pamilya ko and para moving forward hindi ako mahirapan."

Erram had a verbal altercation with teammate Glenn Khobuntin during Game 3 of their semifinals affair with Rain or Shine last March 2, which the latter said was just a 'friendly fire' between two brothers. 

Not long after, Erram was seen in a shouting spat again, this time with TNT head coach Chot Reyes. The two were spotted in a heated argument during a timeout in Game 5 of their finals series against Barangay Ginebra. 

Erram was also seen acting up in the Mall of Asia Arena dugout where a part of the wall was seen with damages after Game 2 of the finals. However, it was not clear who damaged the wall.

To add fuel to his emotions, Erram has also been the subject of vitriol from some fans being on the receiving end of loud boos in game venues. 

The veteran bruiser said as much as he is exerting effort to block out the noise, he is still bothered by it sometimes. 

"So ‘yun talaga kailangan ko kasi sometimes hindi ko alam paano i-navigate ‘yung nararamdaman ko. Kahit sabihin ko na wala akong naririnig or nararamdaman, pag-uwi ko ng bahay meron talaga eh. Merong tumatatak, merong tumatama sa puso," Erram added.

"Tiningnan ko rin kasi ang tagal ko na dito sa basketball, tinignan ko lang kung sino ‘yung mga taong naniniwala sa akin and doon ako kumukuha ng lakas."

A different Erram, however, was seen in the crucial Game 6, putting together 14 points all in the second half while also grabbing six rebounds, one steal, and one block to help the Tropang Giga force a Game 7. 

"Gusto ko lang talaga manalo at nakita ko naman na kaya ko kasi pina-practice ko naman," he said.

"Sa mga nangyayari, nagiging matapang na lang talaga sa loob ng court kasi wala namang magagawa e. Luckily, na-shoot ko lahat ng mga tira ko."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News