Controversial UV import airs his side, says he’s sorry

Jeff Aguara of UV (right) and Landy Sanjo of SWU battle for a rebound in a recent Cesafi game at the Cebu Coliseum. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

After disappearing for nearly a week in the aftermath of a bizarre scuffle that occurred between him and teammate Franz Arong in the semifinals of the Cesafi seniors basketball tournament, the University of the Visayas’ (UV) Nigerian import Jeffakins Aguara is back in Cebu and is hoping to be given a second chance.

Aguara cleared the air about his role in the fracas that provided a lasting image to UV’s failed title defense this season.

Both Aguara and Arong were suspended by team manager Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas for the remainder of the season and will miss the best-of-three series for third place against the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars.

Aguara said he injured his shoulder late in that semifinal game against the University of San Carlos (USC) and wasn’t himself afterwards.

He said the injury was the reason why he allowed USC’s Shooster Olago an easy dunk that gave the Warriors a 65-55 lead with half-a-minute remaining in the contest. That fateful play triggered Arong to lose control of his emotions and shove Aguara.

“I called for a substitution because I almost pulled my shoulder but the coaches insisted I should play on. There was nothing I can do. I was in pain,” Aguara said.

The 6-foot-5 forward took exception at Arong’s shoving and said that his teammate had no right to do such a thing.

“I felt bad because he doesn’t have any right to do that. No one wouldn’t retaliate if that happened to them. If it was him in my position, he will do the same or perhaps even more than that,” said Aguara, who admitted he left Cebu for Manila last week to cool his emotions.

Though he is back in Cebu, Aguara admitted he doesn’t know if he will be welcomed back to the team, especially after Gullas expressed his disappointment with the latter’s no-show during a scheduled meeting last week to discuss the incident.

But he said he was willing to play for the Green Lancers if he was given a second chance.

“I just came back and I heard that I am already out. I want to apologize to my boss (Gullas). I wanted to see him in person but he is not around. I am asking for forgiveness and be given a second chance and be accepted back.”