BALIPURE’s import Danijela Dzakovic got a slap on the wrist for hitting teammate Jewelle Bermillo’s nape, merely earning a reprimand from Premier Volleyball League organizer Sports Vision Management Group Inc.
“Such uncalled-for act has no place in the league and though she (Djakovic) had issued an apology right after the incident, which Bermillo accepted, we view this act (of Djakovic) as offensive not only to Bermillo but also to the sensibilities of all stakeholders of the sport and its ever-growing fans,” said league president Ricky Palou.
The incident is a new one in Sports Vision’s 15 years organizing tournaments from the V-League to the PVL.
Palou stressed that a repetition of the act will be dealt with more severely.
“We invite these imports to spice up the tournament, primarily for the fans, and at the same time share their expertise with the local players,” he said. “Conversely, we expect them to play and be at their best, game-wise and character-wise.”
Dzakovic left at 5 a.m. for on Sunday for Montenegro on a flight that had already been booked before the incident, since Balipure had been eliminated early from semifinals contention.
Dzakovic had a digging miscommunication with Bermillo as opposing Jema Galanza hit the off-speed that sealed the 25-19 first set win for Creamline and led to the BaliPure striking the libero on the nape.
Bermillo said she accepted Dzakovic’s apology and BaliPure head coach Rommel Abella assured that all is well in the team despite the winless conference and the incident that marred their last game.
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