ALVAREZ

Burger King team manager and PBA Chairman Lito Alvarez on Saturday apologized to the public for the violent behavior one of one its player – Wynne Arboleda – during its game against Smart-Gilas national team last Friday in the PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Provoked or otherwise, it was wrong of him to go after a PBA fan, and I, as chairman of the Board of Governors and Burger King team manager, sincerely apologize to the offended spectator,” said Alvarez in his statement.

“Fans are the lifeblood of the PBA, and their best interest is paramount among the league’s priorities,” added Alvarez.

Arboleda charged at a certain Alain Katigbak, reportedly an Ateneo alumnus and a friend of Gilas player Chris Tiu, with six minutes left in the second period. Arboleda threw several punches at Katigbak before he was finally separated from his heckler.

“The incident was a sad chapter in our existence as a PBA franchise and in no way reflects how much we esteem all those who support the league regardless of which side they come from,” said Alvarez.

Arboleda, who also issued a separate apology to Katigbak and to the league, is summoned to appear before the commissioner's office.

“My action was provoked by the incessant name-calling and cursing uttered by the said fan particularly to me each time I was within hearing distance,” said Arboleda. — Waylon Galvez