Gullas stands by his players, chides CESAFI refs

CEBU, Philippines - He had always dealt with his erring players with a heavy hand.

With no reservations in mind, he readily cracks the whip on his players who misbehave on the hardcourt.

One week after slapping Justin Jake Rosete with a four-game suspension for grave misconduct during their game against the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles in the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. cage wars last September 4 at the Cebu Coliseum, the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers lost another key player for at least a game.

This after Joshua Yerro was ejected from the game late in the fourth period because of two unsportsmanlike fouls during their 85-73 victory against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers last Thursday night.

Aside from an automatic one-game ban and P5,000 fine, Yerro will also have to render a four-hour community service under the supervision of the Cebu City Sports Commission before he will be allowed to play again.

After being whistled for his first infaction with barely three minutes gone by in the game, Yerro was eventually thrown out after being assessed with his second unsportsmanlike foul at the final 2:25 mark of the contest.

This time though, UV Basketball team manager Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, Jr. stood by the side of his players, assuring them that there will be no further punishment on Yerro's end in the aftermath of his disqualification.

In defending his ward, the young Cebuano solon even took a swipe at what he construed as 'memorized' calls by the referees.

"I will let this go. Saw the last foul. Refs have to be blamed as well. How do you expect the player to move when he can't even move his arms to protect the ball. We will pay the fine like we always do, but I will stand with my players this time around," said Gullas in an official statement sent via txt message and posted on his Facebook page as well. "I will stand by them when they play hard and have no conducts or fouls in bad faith. The Baby Lancers have my support and no suspensions will be given. That last tech shouldn't have been a tech. Murag gi memorize naman sa refs." (FREEMAN)