Nabong vs. Pingris Fight: Tim Cone Blames Referees for Incident (PHOTO & VIDEO)
San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone points the finger at referees for failing to manage the game, which escalated to a fist-fight between San Mig Coffee's Marc Pingris and Global Port's Kelly Nabong.
"They didn't have the control right then. They lost control then," Cone told interaksyon.com.
"At some point, the players are gonna react, I think that's where the mistake was.
"Whether they pulled each other down or what, there should have been a call."
Despite securing a 102-88 victory, Cone was primarily concerned of the possible consequences that the scuffle may bring about.
Fines and suspensions may be meted out by the commissioner's office after due process has been observed.
Cone walked into the middle of things, literally, by hugging Nabong, to prevent the latter from getting on with the fight.
"I was a little scared to get in the middle of it, but it's coach's rule to get in there to try to break it up," said Cone.
"Luckily, he stumbled over me."
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Instead of going against the conduct of his players, Cone stood by them.
"I always preach to my players not to fight, not to lose focus," said Cone.
"But the way it happened I couldn't really blame my guys for standing up."
Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud expressed dissent in the actions displayed by the players.
"Fighting has no place in our league because the youth is watching our players," said Salud.
He said that a meeting may be held on Thursday, depending on his availability because of a scheduled board meeting.
He assured, however, that sanctions will be meted out by Friday, at the latest.