Arwind Santos insists he had no intention of insulting Rain or Shine with the post-game statement he issued Sunday night after being asked by reporters to make a prediction on San Miguel Beer's possible PBA Commissioner's Cup finals opponent.
The 6-foot-4 Santos explained that he was simply responding to a question by reporters, moments after the Beermen finished off the Alaska Aces, 104-99 to win their semifinal series, 3-1 and march to the finals for the 40th time in franchise history.
"For my part, I was simply sharing who I think our team will be facing in the finals," Santos told ESPN5 in Filipino. "Like I said, the ball is round, I never said Rain or Shine can't beat Ginebra in the semifinals."
The 37-year-old Santos had to explain his side after reading the statement of Rain or Shine alternate governor Edison Oribiana in several reports on Monday. Oribiana lambasted the SMB veteran forward for his remarks.z
In his statement, Oribiana said they "take offense in Arwind Santos statement," noting "there is no way our team will beat Ginebra in this series. What makes him (Santos) so sure about his statement, does he know something we don't?"
The ROS team executive added: "Time and again we have showed that we can beat Ginebra on any given Sunday. We have the talent, skills and motivation to beat them. What I don't understand is how this player can issue a statement that is a blatant disregard for respect to another team who is trying its very best to reach the finals. This is an insult to the entire Rain or Shine organization and its fans and I can't take this sitting down. We will not be bullied and cower in defeat. This gives us extra motivation to 'dare to dream' and achieve what Mr. Santos said as 'impossible.'"
Santos, a one-time PBA MVP, also said he picked Ginebra as SMB's possible finals opponent noting the Kings have momentum.
"I simply said that because I was thinking, Ginebra has momentum and is in fact, ahead in their series," he added.
The Kings took a 2-1 series lead following their narrow 75-72 win Saturday night.
American import Justin Brownlee erupted for 44 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, five steals and one block, spearheading Ginebra's assault as the league's most popular squad move to within a win from marching into the finals.
Ginebra can achieve that goal with another win Monday night in Game 4 against Rain or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.