UAAP: Topex Robinson, Reyland Torres avoid suspension

La Salle coaching staff led by coach Topex Robinson and the UP bench get heated during the third quarter of the Green Archers’ 68-56 win over the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no suspensions for La Salle coach Topex Robinson and University of the Philippines guard Reyland Torres despite the “unsportsmanlike conduct” of both parties in their first-round match last week at Mall of Asia Arena.

The UAAP on Saturday released a statement regarding the verdict of Robinson’s alleged game-spitting incident with Torres, which led to a heated exchange in the third period of La Salle’s 68-56 win Sunday last week.

The La Salle coach and UP player were left off with “stern warnings,” confirming Inquirer Sports’ earlier report.

READ: UAAP: Topex Robinson, Reyland Torres given ‘stern warning’

The investigation by a subcommittee of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors, in coordination with the commissioner’s office revealed that Torres passed in very close proximity to coach Robinson twice as the latter responded with language unbecoming of a coach.

“The investigation has revealed that both individuals displayed behaviors that do not reflect the values of sportsmanship upheld by the UAAP and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Specifically, it was found that Mr. Torres passed in very close proximity to Coach Robinson twice. Coach Robinson, in turn, responded with language unbecoming of a coach,” the statement read.

La Salle coach Topex Robinson and his coaching staff during a game against UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The league, however, said there was no “conclusive evidence” on the alleged game spitting of Robinson and Torres’ profane language. But it promised to be stricter for any future violations.

“Both Coach Robinson and Mr. Torres are hereby warned that any future violations of the UAAP’s tournament guidelines will result in stricter penalties,” UAAP wrote. “Additionally, allegations that Mr. Torres used profane language and that Coach Robinson spat at Mr. Torres could not be conclusively proven based on testimonies and available evidence during the investigation.”

READ: UAAP. Francis Lopez after UP-La Salle game: ‘one action made it personal’

“The UAAP emphasizes that it does not condone 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 intends to develop and instill through amateur sports.”

Robinson will coach the Green Archers against their treaking first-round tormentor, the University of the East on Saturday at the Big Dome at 6 p.m.

UP will have Torres as it opens its second round against the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the same venue.