UNIVERSITY of the Philippines coach Rey Madrid has apologized to UAAP commissioner Andy Jao for his controversial statements alluding to 'point shaving’ among league referees.
UP College of Human Kinetics Dean Ronualdo Dizer said Madrid aired his side in a letter addressed to Jao two days after the Maroons’ 73-57 loss to University of Santo Tomas.
“Actually, gumawa na siya ng letter answering Commissioner Jao’s inquiry,” said Dizer on Monday. “It’s more of an apology letter.”
Madrid made the controversial comment on Saturday following UP’s 26th straight loss in the league after UST pulled away from the game and won by 16 points, stressing it appeared the referees helped the Tigers increase their lead in order to reach a certain ‘number.’
“It’s not hard to think malice kapag ganun,” Madrid said. “Kasi inabot pa nila eh. May numero eh,” said Madrid.
Dizer, who also sits in the UAAP board as one of the school’s representatives, said Madrid’s accusations were purely out of emotion, adding the coach didn’t intend to question the integrity of the UAAP.
“Parang heat of the moment. Basically, it’s not an accusation but it’s a question. He is very sorry that his question or inquiry was misinterpreted as an accusation,” said Dizer.
“Very apologetic naman siya doon sa kanyang letter. He is not questioning the integrity of the commissioner or the UAAP, but it was more of trying to raise questions of what are the possible things we can do to prevent these things from happening.
“Alam naman natin na may ganun. Ang simpleng sagot lang naman is tignan natin kung valid ba ‘yung question. Ang reaction lang naman ng coach ay naging normal na sa mga ganoong disappointment,” said Dizer.
Jao made it clear on Sunday that a suspension on Madrid for his comments is a possibility but said he won’t be harsh on the UP coach.
Dizer said Madrid is ready to face the consequences of what he said.
“I hope there will be a settlement or an understanding,” said Dizer.