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Arboleda apologizes to fan, is ready to face PBA sanction

By Arman Carandang

10/18/2009

Burger King sentinel Wynne Arboleda offered a public apology yesterday even as he expressed regret over the unfortunate incident involving him and a fan in a punching incident that marred the Whoppers’ highly-emotional encounter with Smart-Gilas last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I take full responsibility and express regret over the unfortunate incident that involved me and a PBA fan during the Burger King- Smart Gilas game on 16 October 2009,” said Arboleda in a statement.

Arboleda explained his action was provoked by the incessant name-calling and cursing hurled by the fan against him each time he was within hearing distance.

“The continuous barrage of invectives and insults towards my person, my family and my team were just too difficult to withstand,” he said. “Much to my regret, I lost my composure.”

Arboleda added that he realized that this type of behavior by some PBA fans should be considered by players as part of the game and that these usually challenge the emotional limits of players and other athletes.

“Even as I take this opportunity to apologize to Allain Katigbak and his family, as well as the PBA fans for this unfortunate incident, at the same time, I raise an appeal on behalf of other players to the PBA to recognize that provocations and invectives directed towards specific players unnecessarily test our limitations and that proper behavior must also be expected from the basketball fans,” he said.

In a separate statement, Burger King management said it is deeply saddened at how one of their players, Wynne Arboleda, conducted himself during the game which the Whoppers won.

“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 Lito Alvarez of Burger King.

It was not the first time such an incident happened between a PBA player and a fan or fans, frequently refereed to as the “lifeblood of the PBA, and their best interest is paramount among the league’s priorities.”

Last year, Sta. Lucia Realty’s Marlou Aquino had the same experience that he went after a PBA fan reportedly for uttering profane language in front of the SLR slotman’s two daughters.

“As an organization, Burger King upholds the highest standards of professionalism and fair play, and it has never nor will it ever condone such behavior. Our player has expressed remorse over what he has done. Nevertheless, we pledge to submit to whatever sanction the Commissioner Office would deem commensurate to the act,” added Alvarez.