SAN Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla said the team is determined to make Justin Patton accountable for his 'unprofessional actions' after missing Sunday's game against Magnolia in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
Patton didn't show up for San Miguel's game against Magnolia, leaving the Beermen to play all-Filipino in a 120-111 loss - the second straight defeat for the Philippine Cup champions in the midseason conference.
"It's very unfortunate. Very unprofessional yung ginawa niya sa amin,” said Abanilla.
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Abanilla said Patton never reported for practice after San Miguel's loss to Rain or Shine last Wednesday due to what he claimed was a foot injury and later a bum stomach, but assured that he will play against Magnolia on Sunday.
But Abanilla said the former NBA player couldn't be reached when his driver came to pick him up at his hotel hours before the game.
“After the Rain or Shine game na loss namin, he didn't practice anymore. Nawala na,” said Abanilla. “Kesyo he asked to rest his foot tapos sinabi niya, may bum stomach siya.
"Tapos ngayon, sinasabi [sa kanya], 'You have to come to practice and be a professional, and the PTs will treat you.' Pero sabi niya hindi niya kaya. Ang sabi naman niya, he needs rest and will play today and he will make sure he is 100 percent.”
“Tapos kanina, kinakatok siya, 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the driver was there, hindi siya sumasagot. Nagkasalubong pa sila (ng driver), I'm here I'm going to wait for you, sabi ng driver. And he (Patton) went up to his room and locked the door, wala na,” said Abanilla.
Abanilla said he was surprised with Patton's behavior, a total opposite to what he showed when he first came aboard.
“Totally unprofessional and I think he left us hanging. Wala man lang kaming abiso. Hindi kami nakapag-prepare na hindi siya lalaro,” said Abanilla.
“Hindi ko alam yung nangyari. Total 180 degree turn. He was a nice person before but after that, ewan ko kung anong nangyari sa kanya,” he added.
Abanilla said he plans to bring the matter to the PBA for corresponding action.
“Hindi dapat puwede palagpasin yung ganitong attitude. Maraming repercussions for this - sa players, sa management. Very unfortunate. Talagang nabigla kami sa kanyang actions for today,” said Abanilla.
“Na-disappoint kami ng todo kay Justin Patton. I thought he was a real professional. Turns out, hindi,” said Abanilla.
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