Arthro Kontra Arthritis basketball team owner Jonathan “Atan” L. Guardo yesterday apologized for the rash actions of their assistant coach Jojo Lozano, who struck a referee in a fit of anger following Arthro’s 88-93 loss to Holcim-Moneygram MisOr in their do-or-die match for a final berth in the 1st MVBA Christmas Cup last Wednesday at the Cebu Coliseum.
“I condemned what Jojo Lozano did the other day. I take apology for what happened,” said Guardo in a text message. “I already tasked Jerry Guardo to conduct internal investigation. I promise it won’t happen again,” added Guardo, who is in the United States spending the holiday season.
In his complaint recorded at the Carbon Police Station blotter, international referee Raleigh Relator accused Lozano of hitting him in the nape while he was taking off his shoes at their dugout, causing him to fall and lost consciousness for a while.
Relator also alleged that Lozano threatened to salvage him here in Cebu. Relator is from Roxas City, Capiz and a veteran whistle-blower for 14 years now.
In retaliation, Relator is set to file criminal charges of physical injury and grave threats against Lozano.
Lozano was not available for comment.
Jerry Guardo said Lozano is answerable and must be responsible for his actions although the Arthro organization will conduct first a formal investigation to hear Lozano’s side and determine what appropriate sanction they will enforce.
“We will hear first Lozano’s side,” said Jerry Guardo. “I know he was carried away by his emotions, but his act should not be condoned. We joined the MVBA since last year and we win some, we lose some. What Lozano has done is not the behavior when we lose.”
Jerry Guardo said some factors may have driven Lozano to commit such offense, suggesting the sudden change of format in the middle of the tournament and what they deemed as “impartial officiating.” — EBV