Under fire was Far Eastern University assistant coach Eddieson Orcullo after being caught on camera throwing a racial slur to describe National University’s Obed Mukaba.
The incident happened during a timeout with the Bulldogs up 24-23 over the Tamaraws.
During the break, Orcullo used a slur to describe the Congolese middle blocker.
In a statement, the former Sta. Lucia head coach shared that he has already profusely apologized to NU coaches Dante Alinsunurin and Dong Dela Cruz.
Moreover, he is already looking for a way to personally apologize to Mukaba.
“Right after nung nalaman ko ‘yung nagawa kong mali, tinawagan ko kaagad sina Coach Dante and Coach Dong para humingi ng sorry lalo na dun sa bata,” he said. “Hindi nila kasama noon ‘yung bata kaya sabi nila sila na lang kakausap.
“Unintentional ‘yun and siguro nadala lang ako ng damdamin ko dun sa laro. Muli, humihingi ako ng tawad sa nangyari.”
NU went on to defeat FEU in four sets, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, with Mukaba dropping 12 points built on seven attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Tamaraws team manager Obet Cruz also apologized on behalf of the school.
“It is with a humble heart that Coach Edd together with the entire FEU Men’s Volleyball team apologizes to Obed Mukaba for the term used to refer to him in one of the huddles in today’s game. Coach Edd has already personally called Coach Dante and Coach Dong to apologize,” he said.
“He will also personally reach out to Obed to apologize. He is currently finding a way to reach Obed. No excuses it is a mistake. Please forgive all of us. We’ll learn from this incident.”