Manny Pacquiao has added another accomplishment to his end by scoring his first points as a professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Pacquiao, the oldest PBA rookie at 35 and selected 11th overall in the last rookie draft, scored the second of two free throws with 11:24 left in the second quarter after drawing a foul from Purefoods Star Hotshot Allein Maliksi. That solitary point also pushed his team ahead, 22-21, at that point.
It was only the second time that Pacquiao officially played in the PBA. The first one came on opening day back in October when his team lost to the Blackwater Elite, 80-66, at the Philippine Arena.
This time however, his first points were made even sweeter since his team went on to defeat the heavily favored and conference defending champions, 95-84.
And while the Filipino fans who witnessed the feat were in a state of frenzy, there was one who called it all a joke.
Former NBA player Daniel Orton criticized at how the game was played, obviously frustrated after not being able to play effectively due to foul trouble all game long.
"That's part of the joke I was talking about," said Orton. "Professional boxer, okay. Congressman, alright. Professional basketball player? No. It's a joke. Seriously, it's a joke" said Orton which was practically reported in all of media.
Orton's outburst on Pacquiao, who is considered a national treasure in the Philippines, received a summon from PBA commissioner Atty. Angelico Salud which ended in Orton being fined a record P250,000 (more or less $5,682) for his remarks.
Aside from the fine, Orton will reportedly be sent home and will be replaced by the Purefoods team.
"What he said is not the sentiment of the team, it's uncalled for," said PBA governor Rene Pardo in a report by Nick Giongco of Tempo Sports. "I don't know why he said that, about the league and Manny Pacquiao."
