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Maliksi, Meralco apologize for endgame scuffle involving Converge's Eboña
Meralco Bolts veteran Allein Maliksi apologized for his actions to Converge FiberXers' Barkley Eboña late in their game on Friday in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup.
Late in the match, Maliksi was seen choking Eboña after the latter clotheslined the former. Maliksi was given a disqualifying foul while Eboña was given an unsportsmanlike foul in the Meralco overtime win, 132-129.
Maliksi took to social media his apology to Eboña.
"I apologize to the viewers, PBA fans, and to the Converge FiberXers, especially to Kevin Barkley Eboña for the misbehavior that I showed yesterday during the heated moments of the game last night," Maliksi wrote on his Instagram story.
— Allein Maliksi (@alleinmaliksi) March 4, 2023
"None of my actions are excusable. This incident serves as a learning (sic) for me to be better."
"Again, I am truly sorry."
Earlier, the Meralco Bolts also issued an apology regarding the events in Friday's game.
In a statement, the Bolts described the incident as Maliksi placing his hand "near the neck of the said player." Meralco also said there was "no pressure applied" and that Maliksi "held himself back from further action until they were separated."
Our organization has always valued playing the game the right way—with professionalism and fairness.
— Meralco Bolts (@MeralcoBolts) March 4, 2023
Read our team statement regarding last night's game. Rest assured that the Meralco Bolts will continue to #ChargeForward with the team values we embrace. ? pic.twitter.com/paBlrQsvls
But the Bolts also said their organization puts a premium to playing basketball "with professionalism and fairness" and apologized to fans.
"While we stand by Allein, a teammate of good character, we also acknowledge that reacting to provocation does not reflect the culture we have built," the team said.
"We apologize to our fans and thank those who have expressed concern for Allein. Rest assured, the Meralco Bolts will continue to charge forward with the team values we embrace."
The Meralco statement also said that both players have spoken and "expressed regret for their actions" after the game.
According to reports, Maliksi initially said that there was intent from Eboña to hurt him. Eboña, on the other hand, said it was not his intention to hit Maliksi.
—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News
