A DARK cloud shrouded San Miguel and its quest for a grand slam season after word came out that import Dez Wells got into a fight with teammates Arwind Santos and Ronald Tubid during a scrimmage in practice on Sunday.
A number of witnesses bared tempers started to flare when Santos set a hard pick that knocked Wells to the floor in the heat of the Beermen's scrimmage at The Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig City.
Although cooler heads managed to separate Wells and Santos, witnesses claimed Tubid, a good friend of Santos, punched Wells soon after.
In the heat of the commotion, SMB big man Kelly Nabong punched Tubid before order was finally restored, a source added.
The fight ruined a scheduled team celebration for five-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, who turned 30 on Sunday.
Witnesses said fans who were allowed to watch practice were asked to leave the premises as team officials sorted out the mess.
San Miguel officials have yet to respond to requests for comment on the incident, although sources said management has scheduled a team meeting later in the day.
As it is, insiders revealed an uneasy peace in the Beermen camp since Wells went down with an ankle injury in an October 27 game against Meralco that forced him to sit out for a long stretch.
The high-scoring Wells rejoined the team in practice on the eve of a game against Blackwater on November 6 but mysteriously sat out the match, fuelling speculations.
The Beermen brought in an import replacement in John Holland who failed to impress in a 91-85 loss to Rain or Shine last November 9 in Cebu City.
That should explain why Wells is still here, although the fight is expected to widen an already big gap between the flamboyant import and his local teammates.
The commotion casts a dark cloud of uncertainty on the status of Wells as well as the Beermen's bid to complete the second grand slam in franchise history.
The Beermen are through to the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals and seeking a twice-to-beat advantage ahead of their final match against rival TnT Katropa on Wednesday.
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