NC cagers melee not caused by racial slur

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA Management Committee said there was no racial slur made against San Beda’s Nigerian center Olaide Adeogun during the brawl that marred an NCAA volleyball game at San Beda’s gym in Mendiola last December.

Although admitting the word “unggoy,” a Filipino word meaning monkey, may have been mentioned, Mancom chair Dr. Ramon Cercado clarified there was no malicious intent to racially discriminate Adeogun.

“That word that they’re saying a racial slur was just part of the chant of some teams,” said Cercado in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s in UN Ave.

“It just happened that during the time they were humming that chant, he (Adeogun) was there. But our findings showed that there were no slur but the word unggoy might have been uttered although it was not directed to the person with an intention of degrading a person, not that sort,” said Cercado.

“I believe it was a misinterpretation on the part of Olaide on the word,” he added.

Ironically, that word triggered a melee involving San Beda basketball coach Frankie Lim, a member of his coaching staff and several of his players and San Sebastian volley mentor Roger Gorayeb.

Lim, who steered the Lions to five straight finals appearances including four titles, and Gorayeb, who has been with the Stags’ volleyball program for three decades now, were eventually banned for two years starting in Season 88 this June.

Both San Beda and San Sebastian are expected to appeal the NCAA verdict.

“The Mancom hasn’t received the official appeal yet, the league will act on it accordingly and with an open heart,” said Jose Rizal’s Mancom representative Paul Supan, who accompanied Cercado in the weekly public service forum.

Adeogun, for his part, was banned for a season along with Fil-Am Julius Armon for entering the court as spectators and their penalty is expected to be reduced to at least a two-game suspension if and when they pass the eligibility requirements for them to be allowed to play this year.

Also suspended for two games were Ed Cordero, who is a member of Lim’s coaching staff, and players Kyle Pascual, Jake Pascual, Jaypee Mendoza, Rysie Koga, Rome dela Rosa, Jose Carmelo Lim, Baser Amer and Antonio Caram.