ALASKA top deputy coach Louie Alas doesn’t mind being fined by the PBA Commissioner’s Office for entering the court during the fracas that marred Game Two of the Smart Bro-Philippine Cup semifinals series between the Aces and Globalport Batang Pier.
It’s the welfare of the players involved that’s first and foremost in his mind.
“Okay lang naman na ma-fine as long na ma-proteksyunan ‘yung mga players,” said Alas, a day after being penalized P5,000 for leaving the bench and trying to pacify the erring players involved in the commotion that marred the first quarter of the Aces’ 100-76 win.
Alas was also the one who kept league commissioner Chito Narvasa from getting close to Dondon Hontiveros at the height of the commotion.
[See Calvin Abueva fined P41,600 for 'instigating' commotion]
In all, a total of P91,200 fines were slapped on players, coaches and officials from both teams, with Alaska star Calvin Abueva bearing the brunt after being penalized P41,600 for 'instigating' the bench-clearing incident.
League rules prohibit players or team personnel from leaving the bench and entering the court during a commotion.
Alas said he and every Alaska team member for that matter were aware of the rule and it was not intentional on his part to defy or disregard the law.
But a spur of the moment decision to help prevent the situation from escalating sometimes get the better of him, Alas added.
“Usually, instinct na lang kaya napapasugod ka (sa court), with the intention (to help) na huwag magkagulo,” he said.
Game Three of the highly-emotional series currently tied at 1-1, is set Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
[See Despite Cone misgivings, Narvasa says he's sticking to single-game playoffs]