Last Saturday, the local volleyball community was in an uproar as a video of Bali Pure import Dani Dzakovic slapping the back of libero Jewelle Bermillo during a game spread across social media.
Many said that the act was done in poor taste, calling it outright unsportsmanlike.
The brass of Bali Pure condemned the act in a statement released on Monday.
“It is truly unfortunate that something like that happened between teammates,” the statement read. “There are circumstances that are beyond one’s control; nevertheless, there is no excuse for such behavior.
“Rest assured that Bali Pure, as a team, has addressed this matter internally and appropriate sanctions have been meted out accordingly.”
The statement did not delve into the sanctions the team imposed on the Montenegrin guest player. The 16-year vet, who has played all over the world, left the country on Sunday.
The team assured that Dzakovic regretted what transpired, though.
“What people only see is the act itself of Dzakovic and Bermillo.
“What was not shown was how Dzakovic deeply regretted the incident and the tears she tried to hold back during the game; so as not to make the situation any worse that it already was. What was not seen was how she cried in the dugout after the game and sought the forgiveness of her teammates, the coaching staff, and the management. And what was not seen by the people, other than those in the dugout, was that it was Bermillo who was the first to approach Dzakovic to console her, to tell her that everything was forgiven, and to wipe her tears away,” the statement said.
And so, Bermillo and the team are asking fans to forgive Dzakovic as well, and move on from the incident.
“We would like to beg for everyone’s indulgence, to refrain from castigating, insulting, name calling, and bashing Dzakovic.
“Rather, we would like everyone to forgive her and extend some compassion as she has sincerely apologized for her actions and behavior,” the statement closed.
