In a clear indication that Barako Bull is struggling financially,  a player in its current roster admitted that the PBA team is having problems paying his salary on time.

Alex Crisano, the Energy Boosters’ power forward, who is known for his inside game, tattoos all over his body and funny antics, admitted he is affected by the delay of his salary but said he understood the plight that the company is going through right now.

“(My salary) It’s delayed for weeks. Sometimes, I have a hard time paying my bills at home, but I understand them (Barako Bull),” said the 33-year-old Crisano after gracing the SCOOP session at Kamayan in Padre Faura in Manila last Friday.

Crisano, whose contract with Barako Bull ends after the current Philippine Cup, disclosed that his teammates are also facing the same dilemma.

“You should understand why we play like this (bad) in the PBA. They (teammates) are also getting paid delayed,” Crisano, who also played for Ginebra Gin Kings, said.
“The management should understand that we are also representing its brand.”

Barako Bull was eliminated from the current Cup after it absorbed a 91-89 heart breaker from Coca-Cola last week. The Energy Boosters finished the double-round robin elimination phase with 3-15 win-loss card.

Asked if there is certainty that his contract will be renewed for the next conference, Crisano said: “I don’t know. One thing is for sure, I’m just here.”

From dribbling the basketball, Crisano said he wants to try playing with microphone this time as he ventures on a rap career.

“I will be coming out with a rap album in a few months where I will be rapping in tag-lish,” said Crisano, boasting that he will be teaming up rapper Andrew E in some cuts.

“People always misinterpret me. They see me as a bad guy because of my tattoos. But with the rap songs I will do, I could really express who really I am and that I will show I love being Pinoy,” he said while pointing on a tattoo of the Philippine flag on his neck.