Watch Winnie Arboleda of Burger King attack a fan at a PBA game against the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas team. Winnie Arboleda, point guard for the Burger King Whoppers of the Philippine Basketball Association, attacked Alain Katigbak, a fan at courtside, by throwing four punches and kick, which merited him a suspension without pay for the rest of the 2009-2010 season.
Arboleda will reporteldy lose around P2.7 million of his basketball salary because of the suspension without pay for attacking the fan. PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios revealed that the BK Whopper point guard asked for forgiveness for his actions regarding the “Arboleda attacks fan” incident.
Watch the "Arboleda attacks PBA fan" video.
Barrios said that Arboleda was ready to face the consequences of his actions, which he attributed to the fan’s cursing. The basketball commissioner added:
“I told him so unfortunately for us, Winnie in a situation where we are, walang acceptable reason once you cross the line of hurting fans, there’s no acceptable reason, and he accepts that fact.”
Barrios also addressed the fans who watch the PBA basketball games:
“We would like to encourage our fans to be more responsible when they watch games, let’s cheer not jeer.”
Winnie Arboleda delivered a formal apology to his team, the PBA, the fans, and to the fan he attacked, Katigbak:
“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.”
He still, however, attributed the “Arboleda attacks fan” incident to the incessant cursing of Katigbak, saying:
“My action was provoked by the incessant name-calling and cursing uttered by the said fan particularly to me each time I 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.”
Arboleda, the veteran basketball player, also urged the PBA to do something about the “provocations and invectives directed towards specific players” by fans.
Alain Katigbak said that he is ready to file a case of physical injuries against the basketball veteran for the “Arboleda attacks fan” incident. Atty. Angelo Agcaoili, lawyer of Katigbak, stated:
“Sa totoo lang, nang-asar ang kliyente ko, sinabihan nya matanda na sila at wag na sila manakit ng bata, pero hindi siya nag-mura. [In all honesty, my client drew insults, saying that the player was old and he shouldn't hurt kids, but he never cursed.]”
The lawyer revealed that Katigbak wants a much harsher punishment for Arboleda, pushing that the basketball player be banned from playing in the PBA for life.
Watch the “Arboleda attacks fan” incident video:
