Coach laments suspension, despotism

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

IT’S sad that the bum calls during the basketball semifinal match between the high school boys of the University of Pangasinan and University of Luzon last December 5 resulted in a distressing situation.

According to UPang coach Jorge Ceralde, speaking during an interview before Christmas over DZRD Sonshine Radio hosted by Rannie Manaois, he was unfairly and unjustly suspended principally due to that disagreement between UPang supporters and one of the referees over supposedly excessive bum calls.
And because of Ceralde’s suspension, the UPang quintet headed by team manager Dominador Rayos eventually refused to play the semis knockout game. Rayos and Ceralde described the verdict of Edil Abalos, the tournament commissioner, as undemocratic because there was no due process.

I was there during that encounter and also argued with the other referee (I’m sorry I forgot their names) and told him that he should have been the one to blow his whistle because the controversial call happened in his ‘box,’ as the rule dictates.

My sentiment anent the call turned into a discussion (but without any exchange in blows and expletive words). As the sports consultant of UPang for more than three years now, and him being a veteran referee, we both vehemently argued. That’s democracy.

But to punish Ceralde without due process as claimed over the radio was indeed, unfair and undeserved. I believe there’s a ‘board of jury’ that settles such issues where the majority decide. Let’s not do it the despotic way.

Let’s not forget that December is the month of Christmas, the birth month of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who redeemed our sins. It’s a month of forgiveness, peace and love — and not war.

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Añonuevo, señores y señoras.

* * * * *

The Mayor’s Cup 2008 Mangaldan Inter-Commercial Basketball Tournament officially unfolded on December 21 at the Macario Ydia Development Center (MYDC) with seven teams participating. The town’s chief executive himself, the sports-minded Herminio A. Romero, officially opened the tournament and said the objective of the project is to promote sports development, camaraderie and get rid of drug addiction.

Tournament commissioner Danny Villanueva said the cagefest is the first of its kind to be held in Mangaldan after more than 20 years and they are contemplating on holding another one this summer but with a different format.

After two days of skirmishes, the undefeated Jharsell team of Engr. Joey Aquino and the MSC squad are deemed the top favorites to battle for the title.

(Readers may reach columnist at biking.jess@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/sports-eye/
For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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