San Juan slaps assistant coach Yong Garcia with one-month suspension after MPBL spitting incident

The San Juan Knights-Go For Gold team has slapped assistant coach Yong Garcia with a one-month suspension following a spitting incident involving him during their game against Valenzuela on Monday night at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The team's management announced the development on Tuesday afternoon while adding that Garcia will also not receive his allowances and incentives in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2022.

"The San Juan Knights-Go for Gold with our highest standard of professionalism in the sports industry is hereby suspending asst. coach Efren Garcia for one (1) month without any allowances and incentives," the statement read.

"Our SJK-GFG management will not tolerate such unethical acts that damaged our beloved city and our name in basketball. With much regret, the suspension will take effect immediately."

Garcia, who serves as San Juan's assistant coach, was caught spitting on the back of Valenzuela's Lordy Casajeros's right shoulder during a dead-ball situation late in the second quarter.

The incident was even replayed during the broadcast of the match with Casajeros seen showing his shoulder to the camera.

In a separate statement, Garcia apologized for the "unacceptable and unprofessional behavior as a basketball coach" while stressing basketball saved his life.

"My actions were uncalled for and I could have handled it so much better," he said.

"There is no place for that behaviour in sports. I am truly truly sorry. I am fully committed to setting my path straight and winning the community’s trust back. I seek for everyone’s forgiveness and accept the full consequences of the incident."

—JMB, GMA News