Ateneo, La Salle told to ‘police own ranks’ in UAAP finals

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP on Monday issued a memo reminding La Salle and Ateneo to observe proper decorum during UAAP basketball games.

In a letter to the Ateneo community, the school’s athletic director and UAAP board member Emmanuel T. Fernandez confirmed the issuance of said memo.

This comes amid an incident in Game One of the finals Saturday, which involved La Salle alumnus and former Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste and a member of the Blue Eagles’ coaching staff. 

Leviste stormed the Blue Eagles' bench and threw curses. He had to be restrained by the Arena's security.

He later took to Twitter to address the situation.

For d record,d coaching staff who provoked me was d one who asked me to go down,so I did.I don't know him.Such is a rivalry & Championship. https://t.co/7x3VBCznZp

— Leviste•Mark Leviste (@markleviste) December 3, 2016

Seriously? I think they should suspend that son of a bitch coach of Ateneo for provoking a fan and spectator. https://t.co/1aiwKLobIh

— Leviste•Mark Leviste (@markleviste) December 3, 2016

I'm sorry. I won't back down especially from an Atenean. Just the same, my apologies for the commotion.https://t.co/edMNXTjZxT

— Leviste•Mark Leviste (@markleviste) December 3, 2016

In Fernandez's letter, he said the board reminded them "to police their own ranks and to remind them (the community) to show respect to the players, coaching staff, officals and the league."

He also called for respect in all UAAP events, not just in basketball.

Memo from University Athletics Director and #UAAP Board Member Emmanuel T. Fernandez re: proper decorum during the games. #UAAP79 pic.twitter.com/q1gipaFlxZ

— Ateneo de Manila (@ateneodemanilau) December 5, 2016

The Eagles lost, 65-67. Game Two is slated on Wednesday, December 7, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.