After a thorough investigation into the events that transpired during the tense basketball game between De La Salle University and University of the Philippines last Sunday, the UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office, led by Xavy Nunag, has issued stern warnings to Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson and Fighting Maroons guard Reyland Torres for their unsportsmanlike conduct during an incident in the game.
The investigation found that both individuals exhibited behaviors that did not align with the values of sportsmanship upheld by the UAAP and FIBA.
It has been concluded that Torres passed very closely to Robinson on two occasions during the game.
In response, Robinson also used language unbecoming of a coach.
At the 2:54 mark of the third frame, with UP mounting a 25-7 run to trim their deficit to 40-42, a heated exchange broke out between Green Archers assistant coach Gian Nazario and Fighting Maroons lead assistant Tom Chua.
This altercation escalated when, moments earlier, it was alleged that Robinson spat on the left shoulder of Torres at the 3:06 mark.
Torres, reflecting on the incident after UP’s 56-68 loss, said, “Dumaan lang kasi ako sa harap ni Coach Topex, hindi ko naman alam bakit niya ako dinuraan. Kita naman ng referee na tinuturo ko na merong pruweba na may dura ‘eh.
“Oo, si Coach Topex ‘yun, sino lang ba nandoon? Kahit tignan mo sa video, walang nakatayo na ibang coach, dalawa lang kami na dumaan sa kanya.”
In response to these claims, Robinson denied the spitting incident, stating, “Yes, me and Torres exchanged a few words, but I did not spit at him.”
He clarified that his comments were in response to a profanity directed at his team by Torres.
In light of these findings, both Robinson and Torres have been warned that any future violations of the UAAP’s tournament guidelines will lead to stricter penalties.
The UAAP emphasized its commitment to maintaining a competitive but respectful environment for all participants.
Furthermore, while there were allegations that Torres used profane language and that Robinson spat at him, the videos and pictures could not conclusively prove these claims based on the available evidence and testimonies.
