JONG Uichico’s former boss cried foul on the Talk ’N Text mentor’s “unfounded accusations” after the former’s Game Two loss to San Miguel Beer on Sunday.
Robert Non, vice chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) board and a top official of the Beermen, wanted league Commissioner Chito Salud to look into the issue raised by Uichico that San Miguel teams are getting special treatment from PBA referees.
After the Tropang Texters’ 80-87 loss to San Miguel in their best-of-seven semifinal series, Uichico, who won six titles with the Beermen, told reporters that “it’s given when you’re playing San Miguel group” that they will get some favors from the referees.
“I’ve been there,” Uichico said.
And Non did not like those remarks from their former coach.
“It is a pity that Talk ’N Text has resorted to unfounded, unnecessary and unfair complaints about the officiating, which I would say sort of maligning and has put into question the integrity of the PBA as an institution,” Non said in a statement.
“While San Miguel has been the subject of comments made by the Talk ’N Text, I am surprised that Coach Jong Uichico would stoop so low with his insinuation about how the referees allegedly favored San Miguel Beermen,” he added.
“Normally, I would not respond to such accusations, but coming from Coach Jong Uichico, who was many-time champion coach from his previous teams and a national coach at that, I find his comments unbecoming a coach of his stature.”
Non said their Beermen won Games One and Two fair and square, and the referees should not be blamed for Talk ’N Text’s losses. The San Miguel official added it is Uichico who should be blamed for the Tropang Texters’ twin defeats.
“He should know better that a game is won not by intimidating the officials but preparing your team well. Obviously he wasn’t able to do his part in that respect,” Non said.
“I am calling on Commissioner Salud to look into these unfounded accusations of Coach Uichico in the spirit of sportsmanship that is one of the cornerstones of any sport. In San Miguel, we take pride in doing our business in a manner that is just, fair and transparent, more so in sports.”
Salud stood by with his referees, saying the game officials have been fair with their calls in the ongoing semifinal duels.
“The referees will be firm, steadfast and fair, as they have been so I call on the teams to focus on one thing alone—giving their best as they play the game on the merits,” Salud said.
The PBA chief did not mention any sanction for Uichico.