UV jrs. won't get new shoes

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from P55,000 in fines and a four-hour community service for each of the 10 players involved under the supervision of the Cebu City Sports Commission, the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers got an added punishment for their misdemeanor during a CESAFI pre-season game against the Don Bosco Greywolves in Cordova, Cebu four days ago.

This time, it did not come from the league.

No less than UV team manager Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas Jr. has cracked the whip on his erring players by not issuing them brand new shoes for the upcoming CESAFI season set to open on August 6 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Baby Lancers figured in a bench-clearing altercation with the Greywolves in a heated match last Sunday at the Cordova Sports Complex that saw 10 players each from both teams suspended and slapped by the CESAFI with a record fine totalling to P110,000.

Gullas said he was displeased by the actions of his team as it did not bode well with the tenets espoused by the oldest university in the Visayas.

"I am very disappointed by the action of both our coaches and players in the recent incident in Cordova. These are not the principles and values we teach our students and athletes in the University of the Visayas. We will accept the penalties imposed by CESAFI.We will pay the fines," said the Cebuano solon representing Cebu's First District.

Before the start of every CESAFI season, it is customary for UV to issue brand new sneakers for its entire basketball varsity.

But the Baby Lancers won't be enjoying such perk this time.

"While all coaches, players and utility members of the Baby Lancers will not be receiving shoes as "issue" from UV. Even if only 10 players are involved, this is a team sport. So everyone will be treated the same. They all have to learn the hard way that I will not tolerate this kind of behavior," said Gullas. (EBV)(FREEMAN)