Suspended Mandaue Baller defends self: ‘It wasn’t me’
Cebu City, Philippines —Mandaue City Ballers’ star forward Kenneth Brillo maintains he is innocent of the unsportsmanlike foul call levied on him by referees during the waning moments of his team’s 98-64 win over the Minglanilla Archangels in the semifinals of the Governor’s Cup basketball tournament on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
In an interview the morning after their semis win, Brillo revealed that it was not him that committed the hard foul but rather his teammate, Ramon Lasala.
“I was shocked since it was Lasala that gave the hard foul and not me,” said Brillo.
It was a claim that was backed by Mandaue City head coach, Gary Cortes.
“Yes, it was Lasala and if ever there was any contact from Brillo, I don’t think it should have been called an unsportsmanlike foul,” said Cortes.
Brillo said he was shocked to learn that he was called for an unsportsmanlike foul on that fateful play that happened with 2:13 remaining in the game and Mandaue already up, 94-60.
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Posted by CDN Digital on Wednesday, May 1, 2019
The call proved to be a costly one for Mandaue as the ejection from the game meant an automatic one-game suspension for Brillo, one which he will serving in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals set for Friday, May 3, 2019, at the Talisay City Sports Complex.
“My conscience is clear. I did not commit that hard foul, but it’s tough since I won’t be able to play for my team in Game 1. But it was their call and I can’t do anything about that anymore,” he added. /bmjo
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