UAAP suspends UE’s Nick Abanto for one game

FILE – University of the East’s Nick Abanto during a game against National University in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament. Photo from UAAP

MANILA, Philippines—The UAAP on Tuesday announced that University of the East’s Nick Abanto will be suspended in the Red Warriors’ next game against Far Eastern University on Sunday.

Jensen Ilagan, the league’s basketball commissioner, came about Abanto’s suspension after the forward was caught swinging his left arm toward the head of Ateneo’s William Navarro as the two were battling for a rebound upon thorough review.

The incident happened at the 6:33 mark of the first quarter of the Blue Eagles’ lopsided win over the Red Warriors last Sunday but no foul was called.

“Upon multiple reviews of the incident, we saw that there was intent by Mr. Abanto to hit Mr. Navarro that causing him to fall and eventually be carried off the playing court,” said Ilagan.

“The action was unprovoked and his intention to hurt was apparent. Therefore, an unsportsmanlike foul shall be assessed against him.”

Abanto was also called for an unsportsmanlike foul late in the fourth quarter and thus, meriting an automatic one-game suspension.

According to article 4.3 of the UAAP Basketball Rules, “The Commissioner has the power to impose additional penalties. This power may be exercised to non-calls but involve abhorrent acts in nature including, but not limited to, flagrant unsportsmanlike fouls, and conduct that involves dangerous and dirty tactics and supported by the official video.”

“We call on all student-athletes to always keep in mind the safety and welfare not just of their teammates but also their opponents. Though the spirit of sports is competition, the ultimate goal is to build comradery among everyone,” Ilagan stressed.