LETRAN forward Paolo Javillonar has escaped penalties for his butt-pinching incident in Game One of the NCAA Season 98 seniors basketball finals.
The NCAA Management Committee (Mancom) released a statement on Friday after conducting a review of the matter.
"Upon review and thorough consideration of the official video of the game and testimonies from the referees and the Commissioner, it showed that Javillonar committed an unsportsmanlike behavior when he touched the private part of Gozum, in violation of applicable rules under the NCAA Manual of Operations on making provocative gestures; using foul gestures and taunting, making fun of another player or person. Thus, Javillonar was strongly reprimanded for his unsportsmanlike conduct and warned that a repetition or a commission of a similar offense will merit a stricter penalty," the statement read.
[READ: This NCAA Finals need a PG rating]
Javillonar angered Gozum for not only touching him in the butt but also consistently whispering foul language pertaining to his loved ones.
The NCAA warned Javillonar for his actions and was "required to issue an apology and render community service as a rehabilitative measure."
"Javillonar was directed to consistently observe the core values of the athletic association in promoting camaraderie, good values, and friendly athletic competition," the league added.
Letran, though, will still miss two players for Game Two on Sunday, still at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kyle Tolentino will serve a one-game suspension for a landing spot infraction against Migs Oczon which led to a sprained ankle for the Blazers guard two minutes into Game One.
Kobe Monje will also sit out the potential clincher after he was whistled for a disqualifying foul for an errant elbow that led to his ejection at the 7:37 mark of the second period.
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