(NI JOSEPH BONIFACIO)

MAKABABALIK na si head coach Bo Perasol sa bench ng University of the Philippines (UP) sa pagsagupa sa University of Santo Tomas (UST) sa Miyerkoles sa SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Ito ay matapos bawiin ni UAAP Basketball Commissioner Jensen Ilagan ang ikatlo at huling game suspension na ipinataw sa nabanggit na mentor.

Nagpasya si Commissioner Ilagan na bawiin o huwag nang ituloy ang ikatlong suspension game ni Perasol matapos ang kanilang pag-uusap noong Sabado, kung saan sinserong humingi ng paumanhin ang batiking coach, hindi lang sa liga, higit sa lahat kay referee Jaime Rivano.

“Last Saturday was the first time our office heard directly from Coach Bo and we appreciate his sincerity and evident humility in expressing his regret regarding the incident between him and referee Rivano which happened last September 29,” lahad ni Ilagan.

“Coach Bo emphasized how he deeply regretted his actions towards the official and extended his apology towards the UAAP Board, organization, and the entire community.”

Magugunitang pinatawan ng 3-game suspension si Perasol matapos makipagtalo kay Rivano sa laro ng Fighting Maroons kontra Ateneo noong Setyembre 29, kung saan nakakuha siya ng dalawang technical fouls, 2:23 sa third quarter.

“The UAAP, through the Board of Managing Directors and Board of Trustees, maintains that it will support and respect the Office of the Commissioner with regard to any technical concern,” lahad naman ni Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.

“It is also well within the Commissioner’s power to reconsider on the ground of newly discovered evidence and/or developments such as availing in this case.”

Pinaalalahanan din ni Ilagan ang lahat ng miyembro ng UAAP basketball community, na panatilihin ang disiplina, hindi lang sa mga official, kundi sa lahat nang nasa playing court.

“Mr. Perasol and every member of the UAAP are hereby reminded that any further unsportsmanlike acts on their part will be dealt with the full extent of the league,” dagdag ni Ilagan.