NCAA imposes one-year ban on PCU

The NCAA Policy Board yesterday slapped a one-year suspension on Philippine Christian University for fielding in a high school basketball player later found to be involved in "identity switching."

In a statement, the board said it voted unanimously for the suspension with hopes of giving PCU time to institute reforms on its recruitment program.

Incoming NCAA president Vince Fabella of Jose Rizal, host of the 83rd NCAA, presided over the meeting at the Jose Rizal University attended by heads and presidents of member schools except for PCU president Dr. Oscar Suarez.

"In a special meeting held at JRU, the NCAA Policy Board unanimously decided to suspend Philippine Christian University for one year in all events of the 83rd Season of the NCAA effective immediately," said the board in a statement released last night.

The board said it based its decision on two investigations conducted by the league, headed by Henry Atayde of St. Benilde, and by PCU itself under its athletic director Alfredo Olano.

"The findings of both inquiries have proven that there was indeed identity switching. The policy board considered the findings as a grave violation of the core objectives of the NCAA," the board added.

With the suspension, all the games of the Baby Dolphins, who finished runner-up to the San Sebastian Staglets, in Season 82 will be forfeited.

"The policy board also upheld the recommendations of the management committee to forfeit all games of the Baby Dolphins, return their second place trophy together with individual awards and ban the player involved from future participation in the league," the statement added.

"The board wishes to stress that all member schools of NCAA have much to learn from this experience and that the board decision should not be interpreted as singling out PCU," Fabella said. "The board believes that institutional responsibility is important in the NCAA, hence its decision."

The name of the player found to have played as a Baby Dolphin was Jaypee Importante, who switched identities with another person.