Manila, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos took to social media to expose alleged threats he received following his team’s Game 2 loss to Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
Ginebra fell short against the Meralco Bolts, 108-104, forcing a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday. Abarrientos had a chance to tie the game with a late four-point shot attempt, but it missed, allowing Chris Newsome to secure the rebound and seal Meralco’s win.
Abarrientos Calls Out Online Threats
Shortly after the game, Abarrientos posted on Instagram about receiving death threats from anonymous accounts.
“Grabe talaga mga tao sa social media. Talo lang sa pusta, biglang death threats gamit dummy accounts, pati pamilya dinadamay pa,” he wrote. (People on social media are too much. Just because they lost a bet, they start sending death threats using fake accounts, even involving my family.)
He urged fans to report abusive messages, calling the behavior alarming and unacceptable.
Standing Against Toxicity in Sports
Abarrientos also reminded fans that losing is part of the game, and no player deserves such treatment.
“Naglalaro kami nang maayos, at trabaho namin ‘to. Parte ng basketball ang matalo. Sa mga kapwa ko players, ‘di dapat tinotolerate ‘yung ganito,” he added. (We play fair, and this is our job. Losing is part of basketball. My fellow players should not tolerate this kind of behavior.)
Despite the loss, Abarrientos put up a solid performance, contributing 12 points, three assists, two steals, and a rebound.
Game 3 between Ginebra and Meralco will take place on Sunday, with both teams fighting for a spot in the PBA semifinals.