"It is with extreme humility that I would like to extend my deepest apologies to you (Enrico) for the uncalled-for actions on my part during the most recent La Salle-Ateneo Dream Games," said Yeo in his letter to Villanueva.
"In addition, I would also like to extend my deepest apologies to PBA commissioner Noli Eala, the organizers of the event and the entire Ateneo and La Salle community," he added.
Being the chief organizer of the event, sanctioned by the PBA and staged to raise funds for the sports development programs of both schools and the PBA’s own program for the national squad, Carlos "Bobong" Velez went out of his way to arrange a meeting with the two players and settle whatever trouble the game might have had produced.
"Since I did not want the event to end on a ‘sour note,’ I hosted a dinner between Yeo and Villanueva in the presence of coach Yeng Guiao, Arben Santos of Ateneo and William Ong, manager of Joseph, who were all instrumental in putting a positive ending to this project," said Velez.
In what was supposed to be a friendly exhibition match between the perennial arch rivals in college ball, Yeo struck Villanueva across the face and left the burly Red Bull center with a fat lip and a bloody nose. Villanueva never knew what hit him and his head snapped back on impact.
Yeo was slapped a flagrant foul and was subsequently ejected. Still, the Eagles threatened to walk out of the game although PBA chief Noli Eala prevailed upon them to stay.
Villanueva went on to fire the winning triple as Ateneo edged La Salle, 88-85.
Yeo admitted that his actions were totally inappropriate and in retrospect, he said that he had realized that his behavior was "totally inexcusable."
"My La Sallian education has taught me to exercise both humility and responsibility and it is with this that I come forward with this sincere apology," he said.