WATCH: Marcio Lassiter goes ‘Salt Bae’ on Sol Mercado

MANILA, Philippines – Who knew doing the “Salt Bae” meme would be punishable by ejection?

Marcio Lassiter was unable to help the San Miguel Beermen in the fourth quarter and in overtime of Game 2 of the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Finals after he was thrown out in the third quarter on Sunday, February 26.

The veteran marksman had just hit his 21st point over Barangay Ginebra guard Sol Mercado late in the third quarter, pulling the Beermen to within two points, 82-84, from a deficit as big as 26 points.

Lassiter managed to shake off Mercado’s defense briefly to create some space before burying the 3-pointer and promptly did the “Salt Bae” gesture that’s been the butt of memes on the Internet of late.

Lassiter, who also had 4 rebounds, was whistled for a technical foul and because he had already incurred a flagrant foul penalty 1 in the first period was escorted out of the court. 

“I’m not here to criticize the refs, that’s their call and I have to respect it and you guys see me, what I do. Clearly I did not taunt so…,” Lassiter later said, denying he was taunting.

The Gin Kings survived the Beermen in overtime, 124-118, as 3 of the defending champions’ starters were saddled with foul trouble. The best-of-7 is now tied at 1-1. – Rappler.com