Helpless has been the feeling of University of the East head coach Jack Santiago for the last three days.
For him, the allegations thrown at him have no basis.
In a video from the official broadcast of UE’s game against University of the Philippines last Saturday, the play was stopped with 2:56 left in the second quarter after Zav Lucero figured in a mid-air collision with Harvey Pagsanjan.
As the referee’s were reviewing the call, Red Warriors assistant coach Jamike Jarin can be overheard on the sidelines saying, “Alam mo yung mga review-review na ganiyan, [diyan] nagmumuka yung player na salbahe. Hindi puwedeng sadyain ‘yan.”
Moments before play resumed, Santiago gave one last huddle to the Red Warriors.
“Hey guys, ginagawa kayong katawa-tawa nitong si Ricci eh,” said Santiago as Rivero already had nine points on 3-of-5 shooting during that span. “Pumapayag kayong ganiyanin nito eh. Wala na sa inyong respeto oh.
“Sa inyo lang naman niya kayang gawin yan. Sa Ateneo at sa La Salle, hindi niya kayang gawin ‘yan,” he said challenging his team to step up on defense.
According to the league’s commissioner’s office, the remark made by Santiago was an instruction to harm Rivero. Table officials serving in the game also served as witnesses.
Initially, Santiago was subject to a three-game suspension but was downgraded to a two-game suspension after an appeal was made by UE.
Still, Santiago laments the conclusion made by the commissioner’s office.
“As a former player myself, I wanted my players to stop our opponents, not harm them,” said the former Mapua Cardinal. “We are not here to harm anyone.”
After the game, Santiago even went to Rivero to congratulate him on the win. He also had a brief chat with good pal and UP head of basketball operations Bo Perasol.
Perasol even told Santiago that he understands the predicament of UE.
For his part, Santiago is keeping mum on the matter, hoping for the public to fully know what really transpired during that moment.
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