Despite an apology it issued to the officials of the University Games, University of the East will still be sanctioned for forfeiting their championship match in men’s basketball against the National University during the 17th UniGames at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.

UniGames president Roger Banzuela said he has received a letter of apology from UE, but will still recommend a one year suspension, not only to the UE basketball team but also the entire school.

Banzuela said the Red Warriors has disrespected the tournament and the people of Bacolod City when they decided to leave on the eve of the championship game and forfeit their final match.

In its letter addressed to Banzuela, UE executive director for marketing, Dr. Jesus Tanchanco Sr. and Department of Physical Education director Rodrigo Roque, said the Red Warriors were caught between vying for the UniGames crown or heeding the call of flag and country as the team was tasked to represent the country in the Asian University Basketball Federation championship in Taiwan.

The UE officials also said that Red Warriors management, led by Tanchanco, exerted all efforts to book another flight to Taipei but failed.

“UE has no intention of disrespecting the Unigames, NU, the other participating teams and the Bacolod basketball fans for forfeiting the championship game,” the letter stated.

The Warriors advanced to the finals after beating Ateneo De Manila University, 68-65, in the semis, while NU Bulldogs edged Adamson University, 67-66.

Banzuela said UE had kept mum about their commitment in Taiwan all throughout the tournament and informed them only of their decision the day before the championship.

“Apparently, they (UE) they were not expecting to make it to the finals. But they should have informed us earlier. They should not have played in the semifinals,” Banzuela said.

Had UE informed the tournament officials earlier, he said, adjustments could have been made.

With the Red Warriors forfeiting the game, UniGames declared NU as champion and awarded the gold medal to the Bulldogs. ADMU was given the silver medal after beating Adamson in their battle for the runner-up honors, while the Falcons settled for the bronze.*NAB

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