Carl Bryan Cruz puzzled by ejection vs Malaysia, calls it ‘unacceptable’

Jane Bracher

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Carl Bryan Cruz puzzled by ejection vs Malaysia, calls it ‘unacceptable’
Cruz attempts to pacify both sides and prevent the commotion from escalating into an all-out brawl but is instead thrown out along with Baser Amer

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Carl Bryan Cruz’s conscience is clear, that much is certain. His understanding of why he was sent to the locker room early, is not.

Cruz and Baser Amer were ejected from Gilas Pilipinas’ heated game against Malaysia on Wednesday night, August 23 during the 2017 Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball tournament.

A scuffle broke out midway in the third quarter, where Kevin Ferrer got entangled with Kuek Tian Yuan during a rebound play, which led Amer to try and free his teammate. The point guard, however, tried to do so by wrapping his arms around Kuek and the shoving and pushing ensued.

Cruz attempted to pacify both sides and prevent the commotion from escalating into an all-out brawl but was instead thrown out along with Amer.

Kuek, who paced Malaysia with 14 points and 4 rebounds, remained in the game.


 

Wala ako kinalaman, malinis konsensya ko, malinis na tao ako, wala ako ginawang kasalanan,” he jovially spoke to reporters after the 98-66 blowout victory.

(I have nothing to do with it, my conscience is clear, I’m clean, I did nothing wrong.)

Nagkakagulo na doon nung lumapit ako. Nandoon lang ako to pacify the situation, e bigla naman out of nowhere ako ‘yung na-thrown out. So talagang unacceptable ‘yun.” 

(I approached only when there was already a commotion going on. I was merely there to pacify the situation, but out of nowhere I was thrown out. That’s unacceptable.)

Late na ako umawat tapos ako pa ‘yung napaginitan ng referee. Ang akala ko si Kevin ang thrown out. Tapos bakit ako? Sabi nila coach Jong (Uichico) pag bigyan ko na,” added Cruz, who came off the bench and played under 10 minutes for 3 points and two rebounds.

(I came in late yet the referee lashed out on me. I thought it was Kevin who might get thrown out. Why me? Coach Jong told me to let it be.)

Cruz was even surprised to find Amer in the locker room.

Nagulat ako sumunod siya. Akala ko iihi lang e,” he said, drawing laughter from the media and people around him. “Sabi ko, ‘o bakit nakaupo ka pa ang tagal mo?’ Sabi niya, ‘hindi, thrown out ako.’ Sabi ko ‘wah?!’ Akala ko iihi lang talaga.”

(I was surprised he joined me. I thought he was going to pee. I asked him why was he still taking his time sitting there. He told me he was thrown out. And I said, ‘wah?!’ I really thought he was only there to pee.)

The scuffle wasn’t the only controversy of the game as a Malaysian fan was seen yelling at the Gilas bench and pounding his drum right behind them as he walked past. Players on the bench looked over to him and a police officer called out the fan. Cruz said there were also fans who were cursing at them.


 

Meanwhile, Ferrer was likewise in a good mood, faking tears of joy that Cruz and his teammates came over to defend him.

I’m so glad dumating ‘yung teammates ko talaga,” he spoke right beside Cruz. “Lalong lalo na si Carl Bryan, hindi ko inaasahan. Kasi ang bait niyan tapos biglang na-thrown out!

(I’m so glad my teammates came over. Especially Carl Bryan, I didn’t expect it. Because he’s so kind and then he’s all of a sudden thrown out!)

Gilas now moves on to the crossover semifinals on Friday. – Rappler.com

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