UAAP Basketball Commissioner Jensen Ilagan on Tuesday has ruled on the incident involving Nick Abanto, upgrading it from being a non-call to an unsportsmanlike foul.
The act took place with 6:33 left in the first quarter during UE's match against Ateneo last Sunday, with Abanto swinging his left arm towards the head of William Navarro during a rebounding battle.
In a statement released by the league, Ilagan says, "Upon multiple reviews of the incident, we saw that there was intent by Mr. Abanto to hit Mr. Navarro that causing him to fall and eventually be carried off the playing court. The action was unprovoked and his intention to hurt was apparent. Therefore, an unsportsmanlike foul shall be assessed against him."
Ilagan cites Article 4.3 of the UAAP's Basketball Rules, which states: "The Commissioner has the power to impose additional penalties. This power may be exercised to non-calls but involve abhorrent acts in nature including, but not limited to, flagrant unsportsmanlike fouls, and conduct that involves dangerous and dirty tactics and supported by the official video."
Since he was also assessed an unsportsmanlike foul with 123 seconds left in the same game, Abanto will be suspended for UE's next game, which is against Far Eastern University on Sunday, October 27.
The UAAP Commissioner adds, "We call on all student-athletes to always keep in mind the safety and welfare not just of their teammates but also their opponents. Though the spirit of sports is competition, the ultimate goal is to build camaraderie among everyone."
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