CESAFI fines, suspends CRMC’s Taburnal for “unsportsmanlike conduct” | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) has suspended Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs star guard Keaton Clyde Taburnal for two games along with a P10,000 fine for "unsportsmanlike conduct" during their game against the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters last Saturday, October 14, at the Cebu Coliseum.

With a few minutes left in the lopsided contest won by the Webmasters, 84-68, Taburnal was seen intentionally hitting the abdomen of John Herben Linares using his left elbow that sent the unsuspecting UC rookie down on the floor writing in pain.

Although that particular play was not noticed by the referees, CESAFI deputy commissioner Atty. Boyet Velez, who was present in the game, immediately reviewed the live coverage and secured a video clip of the play, which was sent to league commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy, Jr.

"After a thorough review of the play and deliberation of the CESAFI  Ground Rules and Regulations, the body agreed that the act of Mr. Taburnal constitute an unsportsmanlike conduct and an act of violence that is subject to penalty, more so that prior to the game, CRMC was warned of their rough plays the previous games that even caused the suspension of their player, Paulo Dalumpines, during their game vs UC," Tiukinhoy stated in his written decision.

With this, the CESAFI has banned Taburnal for two games plus P10,000 fine and a four-hour community service. The league also warned the erring Mustang that similar incident in the future will result into a lifetime ban.

Taburnal has since apologized though for his misdemeanor.

"I would like to say sorry and pasensiya sa akong gibuhat sa imoha idol John Herben Linares and sa UC community, and sa fans. Dawat nako akong sala, sala gyud nako ngano gibuhat to nako. Pero ako ra storya kay mangayo ra ko'g pasaylo sa imo dol and sa University of Cebu and sa CESAFI sa mga players," Taburnal wrote on his Facebook page last Sunday.

"I want to publicly appologize to Linares, the whole UC community and the CESAFI organization. Dala lang to sa frustrations and ka-intense sa duwa. Di nako ma-justify akong actions but I know nga sayop akong nabuhat nga nakapasakit ko