UAAP issues 'stern warnings' to Robinson, Torres for 'unsportsmanlike conduct'

A commotion between the UP Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle Green Archers after their round 1 encounter in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, October 6, 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Courtesy: Joaqui FloresMANILA -- De La Salle University coach Topex Robinson and University of the Philippines guard Reyland Torres have received "stern warnings" from the UAAP, in the aftermath of the ill-tempered game between their squads to end the first round of the Season 87 men's basketball tournament.

Defending champion La Salle routed the Fighting Maroons, 68-56, to give UP its first loss of the competition last October 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

However, the result of the game was overshadowed by a confrontation between the coaching staffs in the third quarter, as well as at the end of the match.

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There were allegations that a person from La Salle's coaching staff spat on a Fighting Maroon, with some claiming that Robinson himself did the action.

According to the UAAP, "allegations that Mr. Torres used profane language and that Coach Robinson spat at Mr. Torres could not be conclusively proven based on testimonies and available evidence during the investigation."

However, the league's investigation did reveal that both Torres and Robinson "displayed behaviors that do not reflect the values of sportsmanship upheld by the UAAP and FIBA."

"Specifically, it was found that Mr. Torres passed in very close proximity to Coach Robinson twice," the league said. "Coach Robinson, in turn, responded with language unbecoming of a coach."

"Both Coach Robinson and Mr. Torres are hereby warned that any future violations of the UAAP's tournament guidelines will result in stricter penalties," they added.

"The UAAP emphasizes that it does not condone any form of unsportsmanlike behavior, as such actions are contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, as well as the ideals of fair play that the league intends to develop and instill through amateur sports."

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Robinson did not reply to ABS-CBN News when asked for a comment on the allegations. His deputy, Gian Nazario, downplayed the incidents after their win, describing them as "part of the game."

"Nagtatayuan na yung coaches, nagtuturuan na sila. So tumayo na rin ako. Nakituro na lang ako," he said. "But kidding aside, syempre emotions were really high at that point. I don't really know honestly what transpired. I'm just there to protect my coaches as well. So when everyone was standing up, I wanted to stand up, I wanted to be united with them. Again, emotions. Nadala lang naman tayo lahat eh. And I think it was pacified well, hopefully. So yeah, it's part of the game."

UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, for his part, did not give details into what transpired but said that it was no longer about basketball.

"Kung basketball lang, being competitive, both sides will give their best, pero siyempre, pangit kasi na may mga ibang bagay na ginagawa sa loob na walang kaugnayan sa laro," he said. -- with a report from Romwel Anzures, ABS-CBN News

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