Tigers coach under probe, says UST sports exec

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas on Thursday clarified the the turmoil surrounding its men's basketball team and their head coach Segundo "Bong" dela Cruz, saying the tactician is under investigation for an undisclosed reason.

In a report by UST’s official student publication The Varsitarian, Director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Fr. Ermito de Sagon said that Dela Cruz "has been asked to stay out of team practices."

De Sagon, however, stressed that Dela Cruz has not been suspended.

"I cannot call it a preventive suspension... We have not suspended him," De Sagon said in the report.

The UST sports official refused to divulge more details on the situation reportedly in an effort to protect the beleaguered head coach.

Dela Cruz’s contract as Tigers coach expires in April.

De Sagon’s statement comes amid reports that the University has fired Dela Cruz along with the team management and even disbanded the current roster.

Dela Cruz did not respond to a message by Philstar.com seeking comment.

De Sagon's clarification came in a moment when the Tigers and Dela Cruz were put in a hot seat.

Social media, especially fans and followers of the basketball team, was abuzz after an entry from an unverified sports website reported the involvement of some coaches and players in game-fixing.

The allegation, according to the article, led to the disbandment of the whole team.

The story went as far as detailing the racket – when it happened, and what the players and coaches eventually acquired in exchange for throwing games.

The entry, bearing no byline, mentioned only a single source. Philstar.com cannot independently prove the veracity of its claims.

Meanwhile, in a separate report, the Varsitarian said that Dela Cruz "is nowhere to be found in the UST Tigers' practice [last] Monday." He was temporarily replaced by women's team deputy Juben Ledesma.

Dela Cruz took over the UST coaching gig after champion mentor Pido Jarencio left in 2014. He steered the Tigers to their third UAAP Finals in four years, losing to the FEU Tamaraws in three games in last season’s championship series.