Maroons appeal Bo suspension

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines has  filed an appeal to “shorten” the three-game suspension the league slapped on  Maroons coach Bo Perasol for his on-court rage at the close of the 82nd men’s basketball tournament first round last Sunday.

“We’ve already sent our appeal. We’re hoping that the commissioner (Jensen Ilagan) will act on it right away,” Perasol told The STAR in a text message yesterday, a day after the UAAP imposed the lengthy ban.

Perasol said his penalty was “too harsh” especially at this crucial time as he would likely miss half of the Maroons’ second-round games. UP management exercised its right to file an appeal.

Sporting a 5-2 card in second place behind Ateneo (7-0), UP plunges back into action on Oct. 6 against FEU, Oct. 12 against UE and Oct. 16 against Santo Tomas, all possibly without Perasol. 

“It was our management team that made the appeal. It is an appeal to shorten the suspension,” he added, not detailing much on how short the Fighting Maroons would want his suspension to last.

Commissioner Ilagan is set resolve the motion within the next 48 hours and come up with the final verdict before the start of the second round on Saturday.

Perasol charged at referee Jamie Rivano midway through the third quarter of the game won by Ateneo, 89-63, after what he felt was a non-call on Ateneo center Angelo Kouame against UP big man Jerson Prado as the latter went for the basket.