NCAA Season 98 basketball commissioner Tonichi Pujante punished Ricor Buaron, the referee who ejected San Sebastian College-Recoletos head coach Egay Macaraya in the game against College of St. Benilde on Tuesday.
Pujante meted a sanction on Buaron for the call on Macaraya.
Moreover, Pujante extended his apology for what transpired, saying that it was very unfortunate to happen before the halftime break of the contest.
“I would like to extend our apology for what has transpired. It was very unfortunate that it happened before the halftime break,” Pujante told NCAA commentator Martin Javier during the broadcast.
With 4.1 seconds left in the second quarter, Macaraya called for a review after a regular foul was called on Carlo Lim despite connecting on Alex Desoyo’s head.
But instead of granting his request, Macaraya was called for a disqualifying foul by Buaron that led to his ejection.
Macaraya refused to leave the court, saying that he did nothing wrong.
“First, our referee heard him, and he admitted that. And, unfortunately, he will be reprimanded and he will be severely sanctioned. So because of what transpired, the referees always hold the initiative, so they reviewed the play because there might be a possible act of violence,” said Pujante.
“Then with regards to Coach Egay being ejected it was not because of a technical foul, he was ejected because of a disqualifying foul. He was bombarding the game officials with excessive complaining, and he entered the court twice – that’s what caused his ejection from the game,” he continued.
San Sebastian eventually lost the game, 83-78, kissing their playoff hopes goodbye.
Still, Pujante insisted the referee should have been more patient to avoid the situation from getting out of hand.
“It was a disqualifying foul ‘cause a technical foul, it was called the towards the bench of San Sebastian. So if Coach Egay was called for a technical foul it could have been indirect, so he could’ve stayed in the game – he won’t be ejected from the game. But the referee blew his whistle, and called for a disqualifying foul,” shared Pujante.
“Maybe the referee could have been a little bit more patient and waited before calling that disqualifying [foul]. Maybe because he was already… narindi na rin dun kay Coach Egay diba? Walang tigil kasi pagko-complain kanina eh,” he conitnued.
“I’m really sorry for that unfortunate incident that transpired earlier. It could have been avoided if there was proper communication; and better control of the temperament of both parties.”
