AdU player held for punching priest

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson University Falcons center Papi Sarr was arrested yesterday morning for allegedly punching AdU’s athletic director following a tuneup game.

School security personnel arrested Sarr and turned him over to the Manila Police District after Fr. Aldrin Suan complained that the 6’8” basketball player reportedly punched him after he served the import a dismissal letter.

AdU officials refused to comment on Sarr’s arrest and referred questions to Suan.

Suan told police he gave Sarr the letter upon arriving at the school gym during the Falcons’ tuneup game against the Perpetual Help Altas at around 9 a.m.

Sarr reportedly left the gym without reading the letter but came back after a few minutes, his brother Abdul Asis in tow.

The priest alleged that Sarr crumpled the letter into a ball then punched him in the chest while Abdul tried to attack him.

Police said the Cameroonian was charged only with unjust vexation since Suan did not present a medical certificate to back up his allegation. 

Sarr is scheduled to undergo inquest proceedings today.

Harsh treatment 

In an interview with The STAR, Sarr denied punching Suan, but admitted he was hurt by what he claimed was the harsh treatment he received from school officials.

 “I am injured and they are dropping me from the roster. I served them for several years. I lost an opportunity to play for another school and play as an import outside of the country and then they did this to me,” Sarr said as HE showed his injured right foot.

 Sarr arrived in the country in 2013 and started playing for AdU in 2017.

He said he played through injuries for several years and tried to deliver “because I love the school and I love the Philippines, but they did this to me.”