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UAAP commissioner clears Perasol from suspension

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

October 14, 2019, 10:09 pm

MANILA -- University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Commissioner Jensen Ilagan has decided to abruptly lift the suspension he slapped on University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol prior to the start of the second round of eliminations.

Ilagan, after reviewing Perasol's confrontation with Referee Jaime Rivano during the Fighting Maroons' game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sept. 29, meted Perasol with a three-game ban that he would have served until their game on Wednesday against the UST Growling Tigers.

However, after a meeting on Saturday with Perasol, Ilagan decided to lift the sanction, giving Perasol the green light to coach UP against UST at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

"We appreciate his sincerity and evident humility in expressing his regret regarding the incident between him and referee Rivano which happened last Sept. 29," said Ilagan in a statement.

"Coach Bo emphasized how he deeply regretted his actions towards the official and extended his apology towards the UAAP Board, organization, and the entire community,” he added.

Despite the lifting of the suspension, Ilagan said: "Mr. Perasol and every member of the UAAP are hereby reminded that any further unsportsmanlike acts on their part will be dealt with the full extent of the league."

During the suspension, the Fighting Maroons went 1-1, losing to the FEU Tamaraws in overtime before beating the UE Red Warriors.

Currently in second place at 6-3, UP looks to create some distance in the race for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

Top-ranked Ateneo already clinched the first Top 2 spot after UST fell to FEU on Sunday night. (PNA)

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