UE seeks one-game ban on Mammie, Casajeros

MANILA, Philippines - University of the East yesterday sought for the lifting of the two-game suspension on slotman Charles Mammie and the reduction of Lord Casajeros’ ban to one game from the original two.

The Warriors formally filed an appeal with the UAAP’s technical committee, maintaining there was no intention to hurt on the part of the two in the infractions that led to their suspension by commissioner Chito Loyzaga.

The technical committee headed by Fr. Ermito de Sagon of University of Santo Tomas, is expected to convene either today or tomorrow morning to tackle UE’s appeal.  If UE wouldn’t get a favorable decision from the body, UE PE director and representative to the UAAP board Rod Roque and coach Boycie Zamar said elevating the matter to the UAAP board would be their next course of action.

Mammie and Casajeros are key players in the rotation of UE, which is currently in fifth spot with a 5-4 win-loss card. The Warriors will try to get back on track against streaking National U (7-3) tomorrow as the race for the Final Four heats up.

“Kumbaga sa sundalo, these two guys are our frontliners. Si Charles taga karga ng bala sa kanyon, si Casajeros, taga depensa kung saan babagsak ang bala nayun (If we were an army, these guys are our frontliners against the other side),” UE coach Boycie Zamar said after he and Roque met with Loyzaga Wednesday night.

Loyzaga said he’s standing by his decision but stressed he would respect whatever action the technical committee or the UAAP board would make on the UE appeal.