MANILA – Meralco Bolts team captain Chris Newsome cleared the air on his actions after his team's 98-97 loss to the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
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The usually composed Newsome was seen talking to officials and later discussing with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial in the hallway near the dugout following the final buzzer.
The Meralco bolts guard clarified he was just seeking clarification on what he believes were crucial non-calls in the final stretch of the game.
"I don't think I lost my cool, to be honest. I was just asking folks for clarification on what happened. You know, in our captain's meeting, the refs said if there's anything that you have questions on, as the captain, that we approach them about it," Newsome told reporters.
"So I just want to approach them about it. And, you know, I guess maybe we'll have to find out another time to talk about it. So, you know, we'll let management do their thing, see what happens," he added.
Ahead of the PBA 50 Governors' Cup, the league decided to adopt certain FIBA rules to help players who will be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas adjust to how calls are made on the international stage.
The PBA Commissioner earlier said adjustments will be made on situations and fouls, screen settings, among others.
"[I was] just asking for clarification on what it is, what are the rules. You know, I just needed to know exactly what was going on so I know how to adjust accordingly moving forward with the cause and everything," Newsome explained.
"It's important to understand what are the clear rules that we're gonna play with. So that way it's fair for all teams. That's all I want is transparency on how we're gonna play the game," he shared.
For Newsome, he underscored the need for all players to understand the adjustments in rules in order to be able to adjust and play the game.
"You know, we can, of course, go look at the film and see the fouls that they called and see that the same actions on the other side, they made or not called, but I understand the rest of the movement also," he said.
"But, you know, for me it's just about holding the standard, having a standard to follow, and as long as everybody's on the same page, we'll go out and play basketball. So that's all I need is transparency and clarity for how we're going to play this game," Newsome pointed out.
The Meralco guard made it clear that he is choosing to move forward and focus on preparing for their next game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Saturday.