Alas submits written apology: ‘Heat of the moment’

Letran coach Louie Alas has submitted a written apology to the NCAA. Photo by Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph

Letran coach Louie Alas has submitted a written apology to the NCAA Management Committee for his unsporting behavior in Game 2 of the finals against San Beda at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Facing  a one-game suspension that falls smack on the biggest game of the season, the multititled mentor immediately gave his letter to NCAA Mancom chair Fr. Vic Calvo of Letran Tuesday night in response to the league decision.

“I submitted it (written apology) to Fr. Vic (Calvo) already and I hope the Mancom will accept it,” Alas said yesterday.

The NCAA Mancom had upheld the recommendation of tournament commissioner Joe Lipa to demand an apology from Alas for what he felt was a disrespectful act against NCAA head of referees Romy Guevarra in Game 2 which the Knights won, 64-55, to force a winner-take-all duel with the Lions tomorrow.

Reacting to a slit-throat gesture by Alas, Guevarra charged at the Letran coach in the dying seconds of Game 2 before cooler heads prevented a confrontation.

The NCAA Mancom also required Guevarra to submit a written apology.

“I’m very sorry about it,” said Alas. “It was in the heat of the moment. I didn’t disrespect anybody I’m just doing my job.”