San Juan Knights-Go for Gold assistant coach Yong Garcia caught on camera spitting at player Lord Casajeros. SCREENGRAB FROM ONE SPORTS
MANILA, Philippines—San Juan Knights-Go for Gold assistant coach Yong Garcia has been suspended for one month without any compensation.
In a statement released by the Knights on Tuesday, the team punished Garcia for his “unethical acts that damaged our beloved city and our name in basketball.”
Garcia was caught spitting on Valenzuela player Lord Casajeros late in the second quarter of their game in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in San Juan.
“With our highest standard of professionalism in the sports industry is hereby suspending asst. coach Efren Garcia for one month without any allowances and incentives in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season 2022,” the statement read.
“With much to our regret, the suspension will take effect immediately.”
Garcia, who was ejected at the 1:06 mark of the second quarter for the incident, has expressed regret for his “unacceptable and unprofessional behavior.”
“I would like to sincerely apologize to Lordi Casajeros, the Valenzuela Team Manager, Jon Santos, the coaching staff, its players, the city of Valenzuela and to the MPBL Management Team,” Garcia said. “The incident was regrettable and inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions.”
“My actions were uncalled for and I could have handled it so much better. There is no place for that behavior in sports. I am truly truly sorry. I am fully committed to setting my path straight and winning the community’s trust back. I seek for everyone’s forgiveness and accept the full consequences of the incident.”