Why Asi Taulava slapped SMB's David Semerad during game

Asi Taulava said his big brother instinct just kicked in when he slapped David Semerad in NLEX's 94-93 loss to San Miguel Beer on Friday night.

Late in the third quarter, Semerad inadvertently hit Road Warriors' import Henry Walker as he tried to untangle himself from the pick set by the 43-year-old center.

As Walker went down clutching his mouth, Taulava walked straight towards Semerad's chest and slapped him across the face.

"I'm a nice guy but I just gotta defend my teammates. I gotta big brother to everybody else," he told reporters after spending more than an hour in the dugout with Walker.

Taulava said it is his job to protect his import during the game, preferring to get into an altercation himself rather than risk a technical foul called on Walker.

"I thought for sure I was going to get ejected," he said. "I tried to go over and push [Semerad] away and ended up slapping him. Thank, God, my hand was open."

A double technical foul was called on Taulava and Semerad, while the latter was also assessed with a regular foul for the contact with Walker.

Semerad declined to requests for interview after the game.

Walker, who went out of the locker room with Taulava, said he appreciated the Fil-Tongan's gesture for him.

"I’m thankful he’s on my team, somebody that will stand up for me, especially out here in the Philippines," he said. "I got a history of guys trying to get super physical with me."

Asked if he owes Taulava a meal now, Walker smiled and agreed.

"Most definitely," he said. "I might have to pay his fine. He’s a great teammate." —JST, GMA News