The Meralco Bolts really are intent on tapping Ismael Romero as their reinforcement for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. And after Romero recorded 24 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in the Bolts’ loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in EASL action on Wednesday, who could blame them?
The Puerto Rican big man is a 6-foot-9 bruiser who’s mobile and athletic, has a soft touch around the basket, and plays with intensity every second he’s on the court. In short, it’s not hard to envision him meshing with the Bolts and becoming a standout reinforcement in an import conference with unlimited height.
Ismael Romero’s Big Problem
There’s just one problem: Ismael Romero recently committed an act of violence on the court—and the victim was a Filipino hooper, of all people.
Last month, while playing for Al Ahli Tripoli-Libya in the Dubai International Basketball Invitational, Romero was involved in what amounted to hooliganism on the court when he kicked Zamboanga Valientes’ Nick Demusis twice while lying on the floor. The incident led to charges being filed and put Romero in hot water and at the center of controversy.
Luigi Trillo Hopes Ismael Romero Is Given a Second Chance
That incident isn’t lost on Meralco coach Luigi Trillo, who acknowledged that the Bolts’ EASL reinforcement will have to face sanctions, if there are any. Even so, Trillo maintains Ismael Romero deserves a second chance and the opportunity to play in the PBA despite his actions—provided he apologizes to Demusis.
“I don’t think it’s just because Pinoy yung inano niya. But I think he has to answer the press if he gets a chance na mapagkumbaba ng konti, apologize. I think it’s the first time it has happened to him,” Trillo told reporters. “I think today he showed he was able to keep his composure and fight. I think ang pinakaganda rin makipag-areglo siya, get a chance to meet the person personally, say sorry. And if he needs to man up with that, I think that will make him a better person.”
Trillo doubled down on his initial point, noting that Romero must first own up to his wrongdoing before appealing on his behalf.
“But now that he’s part of our family, he has to carry himself better. He’s just human, tao lang. Masama yung ginawa niya, hindi tama yun, sana he can apologize and sana bigyan ng mga Pinoy natin a chance,” Trillo added. “It’s a second chance. Lahat naman tayo nagse-second chance. I mean, guys have been banned from our league. Some of the greatest players have been banned from our league and they’ve come back. So, different case but kailangan aminin niya muna.”
Ismael Romero’s apology will be one thing. Whether or not he’ll be given a second chance by the PBA, the fans, and even the Games and Amusement Board is another.
