ARWIND Santos vowed to avoid getting involved in controversies again after he served out an indefinite suspension meted on him by San Miguel for his role in a fight during team practice a few months ago.
Santos said he has learned his lesson from the November incident where he and Ronald Tubid tussled with import Dez Wells and Kelly Nabong.
The 38-year-old Santos was recently reinstated by the team and has been participating in practice. Nabong has since been traded to NorthPort, while Tubid is a free agent after his contract was not renewed.
“The good thing is eto, nandito pa rin ako, patuloy na lalaban at maglalaro dito sa San Miguel. Masaya ako doon,” Santos said.
“Sabi ko nga, maiwasan na rin ‘yung mga ganung pangyayari,” said Santos.
Santos was finally able to take part in a scrimmage with the team following months in the freezer. He played on Tuesday when San Miguel defeated Rain or Shine in a tune-up game without June Mar Fajardo.
Santos said it was a great feeling to play again alongside his teammates. The San Miguel veteran also said being part of the team again is a way to move on from an unfortunate incident a few months ago.
“Masaya naman dahil siyempre, after nung mga nangyari, ganun talaga. Sabi ko nga, si June Mar, ‘yun ang pagsubok niya, sa akin, ‘yun ang pagsubok ko. Ganun talaga. May mga kanya-kanya kaming mga pagsubok,” said Santos, who has been diligently reporting for practice since he was reinstated.
Despite the win in the tune-up, Santos vowed to work harder to prepare for a trying season without Fajardo.
“Nanalo kami pero siyempre, hindi tayo puwedeng mag-base lang na sabihin natin na tinalo namin Rain or Shine sa tune-up o kahit sino mang team na naipanalo niyo," said the former league MVP.
"Hindi mo puwedeng sabihin na malakas na kayo, wala na kayong dapat iimprove. Ang tune-up, conditioning lang namin ‘yan. May mga bagay kaming nakikitang maganda at mga kailangang iimprove. Doon ako tumitingin. Iba pa rin ‘yung actual game."
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