The PBA Commissioner’s Office has slapped NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio with a P20,000 fine over his altercation with Blackwater mentor Ariel Vanguardia last Saturday.
The coaches figured in a heated exchange after the game as Jarencio bumped Vanguardia during the traditional coaches’ handshake over the latter’s late timeout call when the result had already been settled. The Bossing won, 97-90.
The fine was for the apparent "physical contact" initiated by Jarencio which resulted in the altercation before cooler heads prevailed in the scene.
Commissioner Willie Marcial came up with the decision upon consultation to the technical committee before he discussed the matter to both coaches who were given a warning to not be involved in such situations anymore as it will merit heavier consequences.
Vanguardia had already apologized to Jarencio if the late timeout offended the veteran coach although he cried foul over the words hurled at him by him during their verbal exchange.
Jarencio, though, in a separate interview clarified that it was not the timeout that irked him but rather Vanguardia’s call to not attempt in the final possession despite calling a breather to draw up a play.
Vanguardia, for his part, told his players to not shoot the ball after the Bossing failed to create an opening against the Batang Pier defense in the final seconds.