RJ Abarrientos BREAKS SILENCE After Receiving DISTURBING Threats!

Photo Courtesy of PBA Media

Barangay Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos has expressed alarm after receiving death threats on social media following his team's 108-104 loss to the Meralco Bolts in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals. Abarrientos missed a potential game-tying four-point shot in the final moments, which led to the defeat.

In an Instagram story, Abarrientos shared screenshots of the threats, which were sent from dummy accounts. He wrote, "Grabe talaga mga tao sa social media. Talo lang sa pusta, biglang death threats gamit dummy accounts, pati pamilya dinadamay pa." He urged his followers to report these accounts, stating, "Nakakaalarma na 'yung ganitong ugali."

Despite the missed shot, Abarrientos defended his decision to take the attempt, explaining that the play was initially designed for teammate Justin Brownlee. Seeing an opportunity, he chose to take the shot himself. He remarked, "There were no other options but to shoot that. I'll take the risk of shooting that, win or lose."

Abarrientos emphasized that winning and losing are inherent aspects of basketball and called on fellow players not to tolerate such negative behavior from fans. He stated, "Naglalaro kami nang maayos, at trabaho namin 'to, parte ng basketball ang matalo. Sa mga kapwa ko players, 'di dapat tinotolerate 'yung ganito."

The incident highlights the darker side of sports fandom, where athletes can become targets of online abuse following high-stakes games. It underscores the need for responsible fan behavior and support for players, regardless of game outcomes.