Jericho Cruz got in a verbal spat with a fan in the third period San Miguel and Meralco's Game 2 joust in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals on Friday, June 7.
San Miguel’s Jericho Cruz does not mind being heckled on social media or in live games. After all, taking the heat is part of his job as a professional basketball player.
But it is a different story when his family is involved.
Such was what happened when a fan inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum allegedly hurled inappropriate words against Cruz’s family in the Beermen's 95-94 win over Meralco in Game 2 of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals on Friday, June 7.
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Jericho Cruz tries to evade Anjo Caram's defense during San Miguel and Meralco's PBA Finals opener last Wednesday, June 5. | Photo (c) RM Chua
“Sa akin, wala naman. Basta ako, murahin ako ng mga fans, OK lang 'yan. Kasi, kumbaga, ito 'yung trabaho namin, eh. OK lang sa akin 'yun. Nothing personal,” said Cruz, whose team tied the series at 1-1.
“Wag lang idamay 'yung magulang natin, nanay natin or mga anak natin, mga asawa natin. Kasi iba na 'yun, eh. Kasi, siyempre, family man tayo, eh. Pero 'pag ako lang, walang problema 'yun. I can take the heat. 'Yun lang naman.”
With under eight minutes remaining in the third period, Cruz received an inadvertent elbow from the Bolts' Chris Newsome and went down on the floor for a while.
The heckling from fans naturally followed.
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Although Cruz is used to heckling from his varsity days to the pros, the burly guard blew his top this time and engaged the fan in a verbal tussle.
“'Yung pagsiko sa akin ni [Newsome], naririnig ko na, eh (fan's alleged foul words). Pero hinayaan ko lang. Pero noong tumayo na 'ko, iba na 'yung sinabi na about sa magulang ko, anak ko. Iba na 'yun."
San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent subbed Cruz out to cool his head down. The former Adamson standout then sought the help of the league and venue security which led to the ejection of the said fan.
“Siyempre, professional tayo, eh. Hindi naman ako basta na susugod doon. Siyempre, may security rin tayo rito sa PBA. Ako, I'm happy na nag-respond kaagad sila,” he said.
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“'Yun lang ang sa akin, protect the players. Kasi kahit ang daming tao, pinagmumura ka na ng tao, basta ako lang sa sarili ko, OK lang akong murahin. Walang problema 'yun. Basta 'wag lang idamay 'yung family ko.”
Cruz is moving on from the incident, saying if ever his and the fan's paths cross again, he will also apologize.
“Baka makita ko 'yun, kakausapin ko, magso-sorry din ako. Masakit din sa akin 'yun, eh. Siyempre, gusto ko ring makita siyang nanonood, nagtsi-cheer sa favorite team niya,” said Cruz.
“Pero sana, next time, medyo... OK lang 'yung magsasalita, 'wag lang idamay 'yung family.”