By NIKOLE JAVIER
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Noli Eala expressed disappointment after the “basketbrawl” that took place involving Jose Rizal University’s John Amores and some College of St. Benilde players during the NCAA Season 98 basketball tournament last Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Eala, a former basketball commissioner, emphasized the role of fair play and respect for the game for athletes to ensure that they will “perform what is expected of them.”
The PSC chief, who has asserted the sporting body’s authority to conduct an investigation of the incident through the provisions of Republic Act 6847 on Friday. Nov. 11, cited that the violent scene will be dealt with including all parties involved which will be led by him with the assistance of PSC commissioner Bong Coo and PSC executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr.
“To play fairly. The principle of fair play. Recently, we had a very sad incident in sports about a basketball player who got involved in an incident, and again, more than anything, more than the fight itself, it is the disappointment that we are not able to follow the principle of fair play in sportsmanship in the game,” Eala said.
Eala first aired his views in a tweet saying that violence has no place in sports and that there are no exceptions.
"It is important that we respect the game. You respect your opponent, and you respect the NSA that you represent," he added.