MPBL suspends San Juan’s Yong Garcia for 3 months, fined P60K

San Juan Knights-Go for Gold assistant coach Yong Garcia caught on camera spitting at player Lord Casajeros. SCREENGRAB FROM ONE SPORTS

MANILA, Philippines—The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on Wednesday handed out a three-month suspension on San Juan Knights-Go for Gold assistant coach Yong Garcia.

The league also meted a P60,000 fine on Garcia “for tarnishing the image of the league and possibly endangering the health of the aggrieved party.”

Garcia was caught spitting on Valenzuela player Lord Casajeros during the second quarter of a regular season game on Monday in San Juan.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said the P60,000 fine will be given to a charitable institution involved with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Garcia has also been ordered to undergo an RT-PCR test within 48 hours of the incident and again 72 hours before he returns from his suspension.

“If Garcia doesn’t submit himself to the said tests and an unpleasant development arises, the MPBL will impose further sanctions,” the MPBL said in a statement on Wednesday. “Garcia is likewise advised to undergo counseling to get a better hold of himself.”

“MPBL condemns any and all unsportsmanlike conduct, especially deliberate acts of violence. There’s no place for such act in this league and a similar offense would be dealt with even more severely,” said Duremdes.

On Tuesday, the Knights suspended Garcia for a month without compensation.

Garcia on Tuesday apologized for his “unacceptable and unprofessional behavior.”