Ilad faces stiffer sanction?

By Abac Cordero
Philippine Star
Saturday, September 15, 2007

La Salle center Brian Ilad faces suspension and a stern warning from the UAAP for punching UE’s Mark Fampulme that triggered a near free-for-all last Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Commissioner Ed Cordero is conducting a thorough review of the incident that occurred in the final 56.6 seconds of the opening quarter of the game won by UE in overtime, 92-84, to complete a rare sweep of the double round elims and clinch the first berth in the best-of-three finals.

Cordero said the UAAP will come up with its recommendation today. It will be forwarded to the technical committee before a final decision is laid down.

“Definitely, Ilad will be suspended. It was a clear punch that was thrown and landed,” said a member of the technical committee. Under UAAP rules, ejection from the court means an automatic suspension.

But sources said Ilad faces a suspension of more than one game as La Salle fights for the chance to make it to the finals.

Ilad was thrown out of the game after punching Fampulme on the head. Commotion started when La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer delivered a hard foul on UE’s Mark Borboran.

A lot of taunting among the opposing players followed in front of the La Salle bench, and some players and officials from UE crossed the line by charging into the La Salle camp.

“The commissioner wanted to make sure if there are other offenders because there are also sanctions for players and officials clearing the bench,” added the official.

Technical fouls were slapped on Fampulme for taunting, Maierhofer for unsportsmanlike foul, and on both benches.