The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has identified one of the persons involved in the mauling of a referee after the 78-65 victory of the College of St. Benilde Blazers against the Mapua Cardinals on Saturday, September 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
While NCAA did not name the person, the league said on Tuesady, September 10, that Mapua has banned the individual from participating in any school events.
"The (NCAA Management Committee) shall be guided by the association's Manual of Operations in handling this concern and shall impose the appropriate penalty within its rules to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," NCAA said in a statement.
NCAA stressed that the league does not condone violence, and gives utmost importance to the safety and well being of players, coaches, game officials, and members of the audience.
"As the oldest premiere collegiate league that prides itself in fostering sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie, violence of any kind has no place in our league," NCAA vowed.
"Accordingly, violent acts which not only undermine integrity of the game, the league, and the sports, but also threaten the safety of everyone involved, will not be tolerated," the league added.
NCAA promised to address the incident in accordance with the rules of the league consistent 'with the association's mission of promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie, academic excellence, and respect towards one another'.
NCAA said that the management committee coordinates with the SM Mall of Asia Management to investigate how the incident unfolded, the security protocols observed and breached within the venue, as well as any possible measures to ensure the safety of everyone during the games.
The league also activated measures to further ensure the safety of student-athletes, coaches, game officials, staff and the audience during games.
