Says Samsam: ‘I cancel and revoke his scholarship’
T HE following is the almost uncut statement of Rep. Samsam Gullas on the sacking of his player, JJ Rosete of the University of Visayas Baby Lancers, for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“After studying the footage during Game 2 of the NBTC Championship, Mr. Rosete intentionally inflicted an unsportsmanlike foul against Velasco (Andrew, Ateneo de Cebu), a player who had 8 stitches on his chin. I talked to people close to me, to my coaches Solis and Rasmo, and to the referee who penalized Rosete.
“I decided that Rosete had a clear intention to hurt Velasco.
“First, he (Velasco) didn't have the ball and second, there wasn't even a scramble for anything. It was deliberately done.
“Rosete is suspended and is out of Game 3 [yesterday] of the NBTC Championship. His scholarship is revoked and cancelled, although he will be allowed to attend classes until March. If, after this school year, anyone is interested to get him, his records will be released to any school, no questions asked.
“As the team manager, it is incumbent upon me to do what is right, whether it is in the interest of winning or losing championships and history suggests that.” Samsam's sentence on the kid was harsh. My heart sank
“It is very frustrating because, as the team manager, I have given him too many chances to rebuild himself, make him a better player, make him a better person, and inculcate in him sportsmanship but maybe his heart is not into it.
“I also urge the public to show some restraint and caution in discrediting UV as an institution because when Mr. Rosete inflicted the injury to another player, he ceased to be a Baby Green Lancer. I assure everyone that the management and coaching staff are doing their best to teach our players humility, sportsmanship and all the characters needed to succeed in their chosen field of endeavor. Mr. Rosete's conduct does not reflect that of a true Visayanian. He made a mockery of himself by insulting the league, the fans and UV.
“Again, everyone is invited, including the skeptics, to see the practice sessions of our players and witness the kind of discipline we educate. I have always been passionate about basketball, our players and the fans.
“As the team manager, it is incumbent upon me to do what is right, whether it is in the interest of winning or losing championships and history suggests that.”
Samsam's sentence on the kid was harsh. My heart sank.