La Salle still divided on ‘leave’ option

With its officials and alumni divided on whether or not to file a leave of absence in all sports in Season 69 of the UAAP in the aftermath of the eligibility scam, La Salle has reportedly given itself until March 14 to come up with a united stand on the issue.

Sources said La Salle officials have been deliberating the past few weeks, trying to come up with the best possible approach on how to resolve the issue that has rocked not only the Taft-based school but the entire league as well.

La Salle last month requested for a leave of absence in the coming season but only in basketball, which the UAAP board rejected since under the league rules, basketball and volleyball are mandatory sports in the UAAP.

Instead, the UAAP suggested La Salle should take a leave in all sports.

Meanwhile, the UAAP board has invited Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, La Salle’s vice president for Academic Affairs, and Bro. Bobby Casingal, director of the Office of Sports Development, to appear today before the five-man ad-hoc committee tasked to investigate the eligibility scandal.

The UAAP is expected to act on the fact-finding board’s recommendation next month.

La Salle is facing suspension from the league after it admitted that it had unwittingly fielded in two players— Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian — with spurious admission papers during the 2004-2005 seasons. — Joey Villar