CESAFI suspends CBSAA player, three referees

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) has once again cracked the whip on erring parties, this time including the referees.

Upon the recommendation of the technical committee together with CESAFI legal counsel and deputy commissioner Atty. Jesus "Boyet" Velez, the league through its longtime commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy Jr.  has slapped a two-game suspension against City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers player Franz Jeffrey Aballe for "unsporstmanlike conduct" during their game against the defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles over the weekend.

Aballe will also have to pay a P10,000 fine and render a four-hour community service before he will be allowed to see action again.

Aballe was punished for  intentionally causing physical harm on Ateneo de Cebu cager Nicolas Yu in their  match-up in CESAFI Season 23 Men's Basketball Tournament last Sunday, October 22, at the Cebu Coliseum.

With few seconds left before the end of the third quarter, Aballe, using his left elbow, intentionally pinned down the head of Yu in the floor who was already there after diving for the loose ball.

Deputy commissioner Danny Duran, who was present at the game and in clear view of the play, was so furious of the incident and called the attention of the three officiating crew who failed to see that particular play.

As a result, the three referees were also banned for two games cfor their failure to recognize the physical harm done and make the right call.

The CESAFI has also issued a stern warning to CBSAA that in the event of a similar incident involving any member of their team, their remaining games will be cancelled and worse, may jeopardize their participation next season. — (FREEMAN)