KNOWN as a hothead during his heydays, NorthPort team manager Pido Jarencio should think twice–or even thrice next time.
The PBA meted Jarencio, also the coach of the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP, a P20,000 fine after he engaged NLEX import Thomas Robinson in a shouting match last Nov. 22, yelling grave threats and expletives at the former NBA veteran before they were pacified by teammates, coaches, and even PBA chief Willie Marcial.
“Basketball iyan. May murahan, asaran kapag naglalaro. Ang problema nga lang, nag-sabi siya ng grave threat,” Marcial said two nights back. “Kapag inulit niya iyon, malamang suspension or mas malaking fine or pareho.”
Jarencio’s outburst against Robinson went viral.
“You are one bullet, I will shoot you later… Happy New Year,” Jarencio was heard telling Robinson amid the chaotic scene at the aisle separating the teams’ dugouts.
Jarencio stepped in after Robinson exchanged words with Batang Pier governor Eric Arejola.
Marcial explained why it took him one week before deciding on Jarencio’s penalty.
“Hindi pa namin naririnig parehas iyong panig (ng dalawa), so unfair naman iyon,” Marcial said. “So pagdating niya (Thomas) dito (Manila) saka pa lang namin kakausapin at tsaka pa lang kami magdi-desisyon. Baka akala nila drini-dribble lang (decision).”
Robinson and Jarencio were supposed to be summoned last Nov. 23 by Marcial, but the Road Warriors reinforcement, tabbed No. 5 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, abruptly left for a trip to Palawan and Boracay with his family.
NLEX parted ways with Robinson last Wednesday after the import’s unauthorized vacation.
