University of the Philippines head coach Goldwin Monteverde has given Jack Santiago of University of the East the benefit of the doubt after the latter was slapped a two-game suspension by the UAAP.
The penalty was handed down to Santiago on Monday, April 4 for "conduct unbecoming of a head coach" after the Red Warriors absorbed an 81-66 drubbing at the hands of the Fighting Maroons last Saturday, April 2.
The UE mentor was heard instructing his wards to "inflict harm" on UP's Ricci Rivero in the second quarter of the match.
The incident, however, can also be seen on a coach's standpoint as far as Monteverde is concerned.
"First, 'di ko naman agad narinig 'yong sinabi niya. Siyempre coach's standpoint, minsan syempre 'yong emosyon sa game, minsan may masasabi tayo na hindi naman talaga natin gusto," added the first-year UP mentor.
"Sometimes we find ways to -- itaas 'yong morale ng players or maybe 'yong intensity ng player. Siguro it's just part of the game. Siguro nasabi lang," added Monteverde as the Fighting Maroons survived Adamson's late game scare, 73-71, Tuesday, April 5.
Nonetheless, Santiago is serving his suspension as assistant coach Jamike Jarin took over coaching duties in the meantime.
Hoping to end its losing skid, the winless UE is facing Far Eastern University as of this writing.