Pingris says sorry for selfie done in "bad timing"

Marc Pingris already deleted his post-brawl selfie with Gilas on Instagram, which drew flak from many people. From Pingris' Instagram account
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--One of the sidelights of the now infamous Gilas-Australia brawl was what happened when the cooler heads finally prevailed after a long struggle to break up the players from both sides.

While the referees were assessing the commotion on Monday night at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, former Gilas player Marc Pingris was seen taking a selfie with the current Gilas squad.

It drew a negative feedback from many netizens, Filipino and Australian alike, saying that it was a total disrespect.

Two nights later, Pingris issued an apology.

"Humihingi ako ng sorry. Wala talagang ibig sabihin sa amin yun o [intensyon na] bastusin yung kalaban natin," the Magnolia forward said on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena after seeing his team beating NLEX.

[Related Story: Chism impresses in Magnolia debut as team clobbers NLEX]

He then took responsibility for his actions, saying, "Siguro yung ugali ko, yung pagka-kengkoy-kengkoy, di ko nailugar noong game na yun. Siguro ganoon talaga akong tao. Mali talaga, so sorry guys kung nai-down ko yung ibang tao na nagsabi sa amin na mali ang ginawa ko. Na-appreciate ko yun. Pagkakamali ko yun. At least, may natutunan ako sa pagkakamali ko. Bangon na lang uli siguro."

He also hopes, "Sana hindi kami gayahin ng mga batang nakapanood noon. At sa mga magulang, siguro, katulad ng sinabi ko kanina, humihingi uli kami ng dispensa. Sorry talaga sa nangyari. Di na talaga mauulit."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno