MPBL slaps P100K fine, indefinite suspension on Arwind Santos for punch; Basilan urges league to reexamine sanctions

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) slapped a P100,000 fine and indefinite suspension on Basilan Starhorse’s Arwind Santos for punching Tonton Bringas of GenSan in the quarterfinals of the MPBL South Division last Monday.

Basilan was leading 73-59, with less than nine minutes in the fourth quarter when Santos threw a punch at Bringas while in the paint.

Santos was given a disqualifying foul, leading to his ejection.

The match then went into a lengthened break as medics attended to Bringas after the incident.

“We condemn the incident and the MPBL will not tolerate such actions, especially during the playoffs,” MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said in his statement.

Basilan urges MPBL to 'reexamine' decision

Basilan Starhorse, meanwhile, said that while the team respected the authority of the league, they were standing by Santos, who they said was on the receiving end of "repeated unsportsmanlike actions" from Bringas that went unaddressed by officials.

“Despite the circumstances, Arwind responded with humility. He reached out to Mr. Bringas to resolve matters peacefully but was referred to legal counsel,” the team said.

“We urge the League to reexamine the imposed sanctions and to also review the conduct of Mr. Bringas and the officiating team. We call for shared accountability among players, teams, and officials.”

Basilan won the said game, 116-113, in double overtime. The quarterfinals series is tied 1-1.

In August, the MPBL handed a lifetime ban and a P200,000 fine to Michole Sorela for a punch that led to a concussion, among other injuries, to Jonas Tibayan.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News