Ateneo yet to appeal unsportsmanlike foul on Ravena

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo De Manila Blue Eagles have yet to appeal or contest the unsportsmanlike foul called on star player Kiefer Ravena during the team’s season-opener against the Adamson Falcons on Sunday, July 13.

After the game, which the Blue Eagles easily won, 79-57, team head coach Bo Perasol said that Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo would ask for reconsideration on the matter.  

“We’re going to file a reconsideration because I don’t think that was an unsportsmanlike foul,” mentioned the second-year head coach in the post-game media session. 

But five days have passed since and no such development has taken place.

“No, not yet,” answered UAAP Board Secretary Rod Roque when Rappler reached out to confirm whether or not Ateneo has asked for reconsideration. 

“I talked to Mr. Ricky Palou. They have not mentioned it.” 

Ravena was called for an unsportsmanlike foul after using a stiff arm to fight off Adamson big man Ivan Villanueva for a rebound. But according to the Ateneo standout, it was just a simple basketball play.

“It’s basketball. He gave me a bump, I gave him a bump. Mas masakit nga yung bump niya saakin kasi malaki siya,”

(His bump was actually more painful.)

“I didn’t do anything intentional to hurt the guy or I didn’t even think he felt anything,” he added, before joking that: “I didn’t do anything. I’m a good boy.” 

A second unsportsmanlike foul on Ravena would earn him a suspension and disqualifies him from winning UAAP awards this season. 

Roque also added that though Ravena isn’t suspended for his team’s next matchup, he has been issued a warning.

The Blue Eagles will look to improve their record to 2-0 when they go up against defending champions De La Salle Green Archers on Sunday, July 20, at 11AM at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com