AL Ahli Tripoli-Libya import Ismael Romero Fernandez faces a ban for the remainder of the Dubai International Basketball Invitational after an attack on Zamboanga Valientes forward Nick Demusis on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred at the 5:34 mark of the second quarter after Demusis, a former PBA player at Rain or Shine and known for his amiable nature, accidentally fouled Fernandez around the neck during a defensive sequence.
In a violent retaliation, Romero Fernandez, who is also Meralco's import in the East Asia Super League, kicked Demusis once in the face and again in neck while the Filipino forward was down on the floor.
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Demusis, 34, immediately scrambled to the baseline to escape further harm as Fernandez was seen giving chase.
Game officials promptly ejected Fernandez from the game.
Despite losing their import, Al Ahli managed to secure a 110-103 victory, leaving the Valientes winless in Group B.
Rizza Diaz, Demusis' wife and a former PBA courtside reporter, witnessed the assault and expressed shock.
"It was shocking. I didn’t realize that it could happen here in Dubai where we know laws are strict, especially regarding assault," Diaz told SPIN.ph.
"I never imagined it would happen to Nick, knowing how nice of a guy he is on and off the court,” she added.
Under UAE law, assault, whether minor or aggravated, can lead to incarceration, fines, or both, depending on the severity and circumstances.
When asked about potential legal action, Diaz remained non-committal, stating her primary concern is currently on her husband's health.
"I don’t know how to answer that. Right now, my mind is on Nick. I hope he is okay after that hit. Ulo yung tinamaan,” she said.
Zamboanga team owner Junnie Navarro has sought assistance from organizers to ensure his players' safety.
“Of course, we are visitors here. They need to treat us with respect. It was just a game and I don’t think Nick had the intention o hurting him. Even in the other leagues he played, hindi nananakit si Nick,” Navarro stated.
Meanwhile, the Valientes big boss said they will play their last game on Wednesday night against the Sports Club Beirut (2-1) and will decide on how they can improve their campaign in Dubai next year.
“We will put premium on longer preparation next time. Pero sabi ko nga sa inyo, our aim here is to expose our players especially our homegrown from Zamboanga,” he said.
True enough, Zamboanguenos Forthsky Padrigao and Bryan Manuel played inspired basketball in the whole duration of their Dubai campaign.
In fact, against Al Ahli, Padrigao topscored for the Valientes with 25 points, 8 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds while Manuel, a future PBA draft applicant, finished with 6 points, 4 assists and 2 steals.
Another Zamboanga native, Mike Tolomia, did not play because of an injury.
Despite the attack, Demusis had one of his best games for the Valientes. He finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
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