UAAP: UE's Wello Lingolingo suspended for three games

University of the East's Wello Lingolingo has been suspended for three games following the unsportsmanlike foul he committed during their game against De La Salle University on Wednesday.

The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office, headed by Jai Reyes, announced that the suspension stems from a foul committed late in regulation.

"The suspension resulted from an unsportsmanlike foul that occurred at the 4:21 mark of the fourth quarter. While the referees had already called for a jump ball, Lingolingo dove for possession and landed on the right knee of La Salle’s #13, Kean Baclaan," the statement read.

"Upon review, it was determined that the foul involved excessive and forceful contact made by a player in an attempt to play the ball or an opponent."

Prior to the unsportsmanlike foul, Lingolingo was also called for a technical foul during the third quarter, which resulted to his ejection from the playing court.

The suspension will take effect on October 19, when UE faces Far Eastern University.

The Commissioner's Office added that UE has the option to appeal the suspension.

As of Wednesday, Lingolingo was averaging 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Baclaan out for the season; Gavina calls for referee accountability

Following the incident, Kean Baclaan has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an apparent knee injury.

UE head coach Chris Gavina, meanwhile, called for greater accountability from the referees, arguing that Lingolingo should not have been assessed an unsportsmanlike foul.

"The beauty of the competition was taken away because you call an unspo [unsportsmanlike foul] on one of our best players on a loose ball? I watched the video. I watched the video. They told me that Wello jumped f---in’ purposely on Baclaan on the loose ball? Get the f--- out of here. There's no way. You watch that video again," Gavina said on Wednesday.

"There's no way, on a loose ball where there hasn’t been a whistle, everyone’s going for the ball. Everyone's going after it. Call a regular foul. You call an ‘unspo’ on a play like that?"

Gavina added that this isn’t the first time officiating has come under scrutiny this season.

"Yes, we squandered a 21-point lead. But hold these refs accountable. I’m tired of it. It’s not just me. I’m not the only one voicing this out. I’m not the first coach who’s said this all week long."

Lingolingo apology to Baclaan

In a separate social media post on Thursday afternoon, Baclaan asked that Lingolingo be spared from bashing."

"Please wag n'yo bash si Wello Lingolingo, sadya man or hindi, kasama talaga' yan sa larangan na ginagalawan namien. Okay na kami at nakapag-usap na kami at nakahingi na sya ng pasensya sa'kin. Makaka-move on din ang lahat sa ngayon, focus muna ko sa rehab ko and maka-recover nang mas maayos at mas malakas," he said.

Lingolingo also posted on social media his apology.

"First and foremost, I would like to sincerely apologize to Kean Baclaan, to his family, to his team, and to everyone affected by the incident. I am truly sorry sa nangyari," he wrote.

"It was never my intention to hurt anyone. I was simply going for a usual loose ball dive, something we players instinctively do in the heat of the game."

Lingolingo also said he respects the UAAP.

"Moving forward, I accept this experience as a lesson to become a better and more responsible player."

—GMA Integrated News