University Athletic Association of the Philippines Basket Commissioner Jensen Ilagan lifted the third and final game suspension imposed on University of the Philippines head coach Bo Perasol.
This comes after a meeting between Perasol and Ilagan last Saturday, October 12, in which the Fighting Maroons mentor expressed his sincerest apologies to the league and, more importantly, to referee Jaime Rivano.
“Last Saturday was the first time our office heard directly from Coach Bo, and we appreciate his sincerity and evident humility in expressing his regret regarding the incident between him and referee Rivano which happened last September 29,” said Ilagan.
“Coach Bo emphasized how he deeply regretted his actions towards the official and extended his apology towards the UAAP Board, organization, and the entire community.”
With this, Perasol will make his return to the sidelines when UP takes on University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, October 16, 4:00 pm at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The league, on the other hand, supports Ilagan’s decision to lift the ban on Perasol.
“The UAAP, through the Board of Managing Directors and Board of Trustees, maintains that it will support and respect the Office of the Commissioner with regard to any technical concern,” said Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.
“It is also well within the Commissioner’s power to reconsider on the ground[s] of newly discovered evidence and/or developments such as availing in this case.”
During UP’s game versus Ateneo back in September 29, Perasol was handed two technical fouls with 6:23 left in the third quarter of the contest.
Perasol displayed “continuous flagrant acts of aggression” towards Rivano. His actions resulted in a three-game ban.
Ilagan previously rejected an earlier appeal from UP.
The Commissioner also requested that all the members of the community exert restraint and discipline, not just towards officials but to everyone on the court.
“Mr. Perasol and every member of the UAAP are hereby reminded that any further unsportsmanlike acts on their part will be dealt with the full extent of the league,” said Ilagan.
The league is calling on the community to continuously strive for improvements moving forward.
“Nevertheless, the parties recognize that there will always be room for improvement in the area of officiating which needs the full cooperation of everyone involved, particularly the coaches, players, and officials,” shared Saguisag.
“With the foregoing, let us all move on from the incident and focus on the game and the student-athletes.”
