ALARMED by the recent spate of ejections and suspensions incurred by several players in the men’s basketball tournament of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), long-time commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. has issued a stern reminder to all the athletes to “keep their cool.”

In a memo sent to the athletic directors, head coaches and coaching staff of the participating schools, Tiukinhoy called on them to remind the players to uphold the virtue of sportsmanship.

“This office, for the nth time, would like to plea to remind all your players to keep their cool during the game and play with the spirit of sportsmanship,” Tiukinhoy said in a memo.

“Though basketball is a physical game though not to the extent would equate into boxing or brawl that would physically harm against each players. And this reminder is not limited to your players but as well to head coaches and coaching staff,” the memo added.

The Cesafi commissioner’s office put out the memo in light of the incident involving the University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s (USPF) Steven Ursal and the University of San Carlos’ (USC) Kenneth Brillo that saw the two players scuffle last week.

Tiukinhoy also reminded the student-athletes and coaches to be mindful of the fact that they are representing their respective schools.

“You are the role model of the public on how the true spirit of sportsmanship and discipline should be. And it would be ridiculous and ironic situation that you yourselves are the ones showing bad example to the public who admire and idolize each one of you as a player, coach or coaching staff.”

Tiukinhoy also highlighted that any player or coach who would be ejected from a ballgame for a second time would be slapped with a hefty fine of P10,000, and community service of eight hours.

He also reminded that any player or coach who has already been suspended this season would no longer qualify to participate in the annual All Star game. (JNP)