NCAA sacks three referees

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA yesterday sacked three referees who worked the Emilio Aguinaldo-St. Benilde match in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Monday after the league suspended five players for misconduct.

Acting Management Committee chair Frank Gusi of San Sebastian and commissioner Aric del Rosario said John Estrada, Zaldy Sagum and Ric Santos were suspended indefinitely for failing to stop the bench-clearing incident between the Generals and the Blazers.

The game also saw the ejection of Blazers Chuck Dalanon and Jan Tan, who drew one-game suspension for their misconduct.

Santos was barred from officiating the rest of the season while Estrada and Sagum will serve out their suspension.

“We would like to send a message that no one will be spared,” said Gusi, speaking in behalf of Mancom chair Jose Mari Lacson of San Beda who is currently on temporary leave.

“Commissioner Aric is serious with his job, doing what it takes to make the league within international standards and taking appropriate measures to maintain that level,” said NCAA president and San Beda rector Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, in a press statement.

The refs suspension came a day after St. Benilde’s Dalanon and Tan, Angeles U Foundation’s Chuck Gomez and Letran’s Kris Alas and Jaypee Belencion were suspended and Letran coach Louie Alas, Mel Alas and rookie Kevin Alas and San Beda’s American Sudan Daniel drew warning for various offenses.