Four basketball players – including someone who plays for the De La Salle Green Archers – and a coach were officially banned by the committee of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 for attacking and disrespecting game officials during a championship game on July 5 which turned chaotic, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Kean Baclaan, who now plays for the De La Salle Green Archers, and four others were banned from a Muntinlupa inter-barangay basketball tournament “for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials.”
In a decision issued on July 6, the committee of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 banned players Baclaan, Ram Panganiban, Alfie Silva and Jayson Tugonon, and coach Hansel Baclaan Malate, all from the Barangay Bayanan team.
“The following sanctions and penalties have been imposed on the players and coaches involved in the incident: Banned from the tournament for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials,” according to the decision by the league committee.
“After thorough deliberation by the League Committee, the officials have reached the following decision based on the existing rules of La Liga De Muntinlupa, as approved by all the Barangay Team Managements,” the decision, released by Liga ng mga Barangay Muntinlupa president Allen Ampaya, the barangay captain of Poblacion.
The decision stemmed from the chaos during the first of three games of the La Liga De Muntinlupa basketball championship between Barangays Bayanan and Cupang on July 5 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The mess started when a player and a referee had a confrontation. At the time, the scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan. This led to people and players charging the referee.
People threw monoblock chairs and water bottles. A parallel investigation is being conducted to identify those who threw the chairs.
In the decision, the League Committee announced that “Brgy Cupang won the game for forfeit due to Brgy Bayanan players and coaches physically attacking the game officials.”
Under the Muntinlupa league rules, “Verbal and direct threat to referees, table officials, coaches and players will not be tolerated. If proven, will be automatically ban from the tournament (threat by families of players are also included). Also tournament committee can ban spectators from the tournament and venues. Instigating player/s involve on a brawling incident and even fighting stance will automatically ban from the game.”
In a Facebook post, Baclaan apologized for his wrong conduct during the championship game between Bayanan and Cupang.
“Bilang isang manlalaro, marami na po akong pinagdaan at mga pagkakamaling nagawa (As a player, I have gone through a lot and have done many mistakes). One of those is the recent incident na nangyari sa La Lagi Muntinlupa Championship game. Unang-una sa lahat gusto ko po humingi ng tawad sa mga taong naniniwala at sumusuporta sa akin (First of all, I want to ask forgiveness from the people who believe and support me). I want to say sorry for my actions which may have disappointed all of you,” he said.
He added, “Inaaamin ko po na nagkamali ako dahil dapat ako ang naging ehemplo ng mga umiidolo sa akin pero hinayaan ko na pangunahan ako ng emotions ko (I admit that I committed a mistake because I should have been an example for those who idolize me but I let my emotions to get the best of me). I also want to apologize sa mga taong nadamay sa gulo. To my teammates and coach, I’m sorry for not keeping my cool when we need it most. I deeply regret the inconvenience caused by my actions. Moving forward, I will let this experience be a new opportunity to change for the better and grow not only as a player but also as a person.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you agree with the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 committee’s decision?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Author Carlo Carrasco 