INSTEAD of courting further trouble, defending champion San Beda decided not to play controversial guard Ryusei Koga in its NCAA Final Four match against University of Perpetual Help on Thursday.
The move was made on the eve of Season 89 semifinals that also pits Letran against San Sebastian.
San Beda team manager Jude Roque said the decision was in view of the NCAA’s action to defer its investigation into whether Koga played in another league while the current season is ongoing.
“In view of the decision of the NCAA to defer its investigation on the alleged violation of league rules by its player Ryusei Koga, and while such deferment is pending, San Beda College has decided not to play Mr. Koga in the Final Four,” said Roque in a statement.
The San Beda team manager made the announcement after repeated inquiries on whether the Red Lions will utilize Koga in their game against the Altas.
On Tuesday, a six-man task force formed by the NCAA to probe allegations that Koga violated league rules by playing in a 'ligang labas' during the season failed to come up with a decision.
The league decided to defer the investigation "to allow the teams to focus on the impending semifinals and finals," but at the same time reserved the right to reopen the probe "should new evidence surface."
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