ASSISTANT COACH Paul Du of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs on Monday was whipped with a suspension for the rest of the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament after a physical incident that hurt University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses deputy coach Arsenio Dysangco.
His season suspension includes all basketball activities in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 competitions.
Mr. Du “delivered a forceful elbow” to Mr. Dysangco during the traditional handshake last Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that led to the older coach’s hard fall on the floor.
The incident required medical attention, putting Mr. Dysangco on wheelchair out of the playing court.
Reigning champion Santo Tomas dominated the game, 90-66, to stay unbeaten in three games. NU, the once invincible program before Santo Tomas’ emergence, slid to 2-1.
Mr. Du’s suspension came only from the UAAP Commissioner’s Office led by Jai Reyes with a possibility of receiving a separate penalty from the UAAP Board.
“The Commissioner’s Office also acknowledges that there may be additional sanctions imposed by the UAAP Board,” said the UAAP.
Mr. Du’s season suspension, albeit effective immediately, can be appealed by NU as per the Commissioner’s Office. — John Bryan Ulanday