FANS, no matter how passionate they are, must think twice before crossing the thin line between school pride and hooliganism.
The NCAA has identified and banished one of the spectators, apparently a supporter of Mapua University, who allegedly mauled a game official last Saturday at the end of College of St. Benilde’s 78-65 victory over the Cardinals in the NCAA 100th basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“The NCAA would like to take this opportunity to assure everyone that it is taking this matter seriously. The NCAA Management Committee immediately convened and has since launched an ongoing investigation. With the help of Mapua University, the Mancom was able to identify one of the persons involved in the incident,” the league said in a statement yesterday.
“The Mancom was also informed that said person will be banned by Mapua from participating in any of its school events as the NCAA undertakes its own investigation on the matter.
“The Mancom shall be guided by the association’s Manual of Operations in handling this concern and shall impose the appropriate penalty within its rules to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The country’s oldest collegiate league said its probe on the incident that involved a referee and reportedly members of the crowd is still ongoing, and it has ramped up security measures at the venues.
“In addition, the Mancom is coordinating with the SM Mall of Asia Management to investigate how the incident unfolded; the security protocols observed and breached within the venue, if any; and the possible additional measures which may be implemented to ensure the safety of everyone during games.
“The NCAA has also activated measures to further ensure the safety of its student-athletes, coaches, game officials, staff and the audience during its games.”
The NCAA has withheld the identity of the referee and the persons purportedly responsible for the attack until the investigation is completed.
The league insisted violence has no place in sports.
“The NCAA does not condone violence. As the oldest premiere collegiate league that prides itself in fostering sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie, violence of any kind has no place in our league. The safety and well-being of all participants in our sports events and tournaments, including players, coaches, game officials, staff and audience are given utmost importance,” it said. “Accordingly, violent acts which not only undermine the integrity of the game, the league, and the sports, but also threaten the safety of everyone involved, will not be tolerated.
“The NCAA will address this incident in accordance with its rules consistent with the association’s mission of promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie, academic excellence, and respect towards one another.”
