UAAP sacks Perasol, bans DLSU backer, complies with TRO

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP suspended Ateneo coach Bo Perasol and banned for a year La Salle alumnus JJ Atayde for figuring in an altercation minutes after the Archers pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind 66-64 win over the Eagles last Sunday.

In an emergency board meeting yesterday, the league sacked Perasol for one game effective immediately, and banned Atayde from watching basketball competitions for the remainder of Season 76. 

League officials also tackled the temporary restraining order (TRO), directing them to “cease and desist from imposing the two-year residency rule” issued by Quezon City RTC Branch 226 and declared they will abide by the ruling.

In announcing the penalties, UAAP secretary-treasurer Ma Luisa Isip said: â€œIt’s the mission and vision of the UAAP to promote the highest level of sportsmanship so we want all players, coaches and officials to observe good behavior.”

“The concern of the UAAP is to show the general public that we don’t condone this kind of behavior,” Fr. Ermito de Sagun of Santo Tomas, head of the technical committee, added.

The commotion started when Atayde jeered the Ateneo team as it was heading towards the dugout. Perasol didn’t like what he heard and tried to charge at the La Salle supporter.

Perasol will sit out the Eagles’ next game against UE on Sept. 8, with his assistant Sandy Arespacochaga likely to take over.

“I trust the collective wisdom of the UAAP board and I will abide by it,” said Perasol.

Ateneo athletic director Ricky Palou said they will not appeal Perasol’s suspension. “The board decided and we accept it.”

On the other hand, Atayde can only watch the games again after the season.

“We decided to ban him para hindi na maulit (so it won’t happen again),” said Isip.

The UAAP had received a copy of the TRO on the case filed by the camp of University of the Philippines swimmer Mikee Bartolome.

“We’ll respect the TRO,” said Isip.

Bartolome’s camp has sought court intervention in a bid to get the rookie swimmer to play for five-peat-seeking Lady Maroons. Without the required “release” from her high school alma mater UST, Bartolome would have to serve the two-year residency.

With the TRO, the UAAP according to Isip, will have to revert to its old rule, which requires a one-year sit-out. She said Bartolome should still get clearance from UST to be eligible to swim for UP immediately. 

Screening of players’ eligibility for the swimming competitions is slated today.

The UAAP board likewise discussed the twin appeals of University of the East to reduce the two-game suspensions of Charles Mammie and Ralf Olivares.

The board granted the appeal for Mammie, making him eligible to play in yesterday’s second game against La Salle, but denied the plea for Olivares.

“The board gave merit to UE’s contention that the incident – stepping on the shooter’s landing spot – was not called by the referees. So the board decreased it to one game and Mammie and can play already,” said Isip.