The La Salle coaching staff led by coach Topex Robinson and the UP bench warm up during the third quarter of the Green Archers' 68-56 victory over the Combating Maroons in the season 87 men's basketball tournament. UAAP.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines – There will be no suspensions for La Salle coach Topex Robinson and University of the Philippines guard Reyland Torres despite “unsportsmanlike conduct” by both sides in their first-round game last week in the Mall of Asia Enviornment.
On Saturday, the UAAP issued a statement regarding the verdict in Robinson's alleged incident with Torres, which led to a heated exchange in the third period of La Salle's 68-56 victory on Sunday last week.
Article continues after this announcement.
The La Salle coach and the UP player were left with “harsh warnings,” confirming a previous Inquirer Sports report.
READ: UAAP: Topex Robinson and Reyland Torres receive a 'stern warning'
The investigation conducted by a subcommittee of the UAAP Board of Directors, in coordination with the commissioner's office, revealed that Torres walked very close to Coach Robinson on two occasions and the latter responded with language unbecoming of a coach.
Article continues after this announcement.
“The investigation has revealed that both individuals displayed behaviors that do not reflect the sporting values defended by the UAAP and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Specifically, Mr. Torres was found to have passed in close proximity to Coach Robinson twice. “Coach Robinson, in turn, responded with language unbecoming of a coach,” the statement reads.
Article continues after this announcement.
La Salle coach Topex Robinson and his coaching staff during a game against the UP Combating Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
The league, however, said there was “no conclusive evidence” about Robinson and Torres' alleged spitting of profane language. But he promised to be stricter in the face of future violations.
Article continues after this announcement.
“Both Coach Robinson and Mr. Torres are hereby warned that any future violations of the UAAP tournament guidelines will result in stricter sanctions,” the UAAP wrote. “Further, allegations that Mr. Torres used profane language and that Coach Robinson spit at Mr. Torres could not be conclusively proven based on the testimony and evidence available during the investigation.”
READ: UAAP. Francis López after the UP-La Salle match: 'an action made it private'
Article continues after this announcement.
“The UAAP emphasizes that it does not tolerate any form of unsportsmanlike behavior, as such actions are contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, as well as the ideals of fair play that the league seeks to develop and instill through novice sport.”
Robinson will coach the Green Archers against their first-round tormentor, Eastern University, on Saturday at the Massive Dome at 6 pm.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
UP will have Torres in the opener of its second round against the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the same venue.