UAAP, NCAA players suspended

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines and National Collegiate Athletic Association yesterday cracked the whip on Reinnel Catabay of Adamson and Ronjay Enrile of Letran for misbehavior in last week’s games.

Catabay was slapped a one-game suspension for a flagrant foul on Archer Ryan Arana early in the fourth quarter of the game won by the Falcons, 64-62, Saturday.

"It’s an automatic suspension," said UAAP commissioner Ato Badolato.

Catabay is also expected to get some lashing from his coach Luigi Trillo for giving La Salle fans the dirty finger when he was exiting the court.

"I will personally discipline him for his misconduct," said Trillo, a La Salle alumnus himself.

Enrile was likewise suspended for a game by the NCAA Management Committee upon the recommendation of commissioner Ricky Palou for spitting at a fan during the Knights’ 68-71 loss to the Perpetual Help Altas Friday.

Letran coach Louie Alas, who learned of the decision from board representative Fr. Vic Calvo OP, frowned at Enrile’s suspension.

"If it’s true, I’ll personally discipline him," said Alas referring to his best scorer.

"Pero harsh naman masyado ang parusa, sana man lang ni-reprimand na lang ‘yung bata. Kailangang, kailangan pa naman naming siya against San Sebastian," he added.

Also suspended were players Ram Panganiban and John Julio of the Altalettes and Vic Angelo Dy of the Squires.

Of the three, Panganiban got the most punishment with a two-game suspension for slapping a Squire on his nape after the fight-marred Letran-Perpetual high school match.

Julio and Dy, for their part, were assessed a one-game suspension for figuring in a fist fight midway in the game.

This is the second time that the NCAA, which has vowed before the season to curb hooliganism, has imposed disciplinary action on league players.

Perpetual Help coach Arturo "Bai" Cristobal and his assistant Art Narvasa were also suspended two weeks ago for conduct unbecoming.