RONNIE Magsanoc has tendered his resignation as San Beda coach just months after leading the Red Lions to an NCAA championship on his first try, two key members of the team confirmed to Spin.ph on Saturday.
According to the two players who requested that they not be named, Magsanoc made the announcement before members of the team during the Red Lions' Christmas party held on Saturday at the Meralco headquarters.
Magsanoc, the sources said, was vague about the circumstances that led to his surprising parting of ways with a school where he also starred in high school for the multi-titled Red Cubs, citing only "personal reasons" for his departure.
His resignation, nonetheless, has been accepted by the team's top benefactor, Manny V. Pangilinan, the players said.
Magsanoc, who is also an assistant coach for Meralco's team in the PBA, also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the players for the memorable championship run, the players said.
No replacement has been announced, but an announcement is expected to be made by the school as early as Monday.
Rumors that the coach had resigned had been making the rounds for a few weeks now - talk Magsanoc made no effort to quell when Spin.ph caught up with him just before the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal game between Alaska and Meralco on Friday night.
"Status quo muna ako. I'll make the decision when I get there," was Magsanoc's curt reply before excusing himself to join the rest of the Bolts in the dugout.
There has been no known cause of the tension at the Red Lions camp, although it is common knowledge that loyalties among team members and alumni supporters are still divided between Magsanoc and former coach Frankie Lim, even after the latest championship.
The Red Lions have returned to training two weeks ago to prepare for the Fr. Martin Cup, and several players have confirmed that Magsanoc and his top assistant, Benjie Paras, were no longer around to run practice.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
