Adamson coach Fermin accepts suspension, but seeks clarification

MANILA, Philippines – Adamson Soaring Falcons head coach Mike Fermin has been suspended by UAAP Season 78 senior’s basketball tournament commissioner Rebo Saguisag for his team’s upcoming game against the NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, September 23, after he was ejected in Adamson’s loss to La Salle over the weekend.

Fermin was ejected after making a slit-throat gesture during the 6:46 mark of the fourth quarter, which took place after he complained about an unsportsmanlike foul called on his player and team captain Dawn Ochea.

Fermin received two technical fouls which led to the ejection, and under UAAP rules, that means an automatic suspension for the next game.

“You know [the] house rules [in] the UAAP, if you’re thrown out, that would result into a one-game suspension so that’s by operation of law,” Saguisag told the Philippine Star.

While talking to Rappler on Tuesday, September 22, Fermin said he accepts the penalty handed out by Saguisag – a friend of his – but is seeking clarification on the officiating in the UAAP.

“I respect the decision of the commissioner,” Fermin, the team’s rookie head coach, said. “I respect it and we will abide by it. We won’t contest. But we will seek clarification through him (Saguisag).”

Fermin admits that he did the slit-throat act, but wants an explanation on what gestures are prohibited and allowed.

“My question is: what are the gestures that aren’t permitted?” he said. 

“What are the gestures that are really not allowed? What do you want us to do?” he later added, before asking if a coach circling his finger around his forehead or covering his eyes are actions that warrant punishment as well.

Fermin was also unhappy with the officiating in the entire game against La Salle – something he feels was most prominent in the incident that led to the unsportsmanlike foul called on Ochea and, subsequently, his ejection.

According to Fermin, the referee who ultimately made the unsportsmanlike foul call first signaled for a jump ball, but changed his decision when La Salle guard Thomas Torres grabbed a part of his face after seemingly get hit.

Fermin says the hit was “unintentional” in Ochea’s part as he was just trying to get the loose ball.

Adamson had cut a 26-point La Salle lead to 11 and was in the middle of their rally when the call was made. The ensuing free throws from the unsportsmanlike foul and technical fouls on Fermin gave the Green Archers free throws and the opportunity to regain control of the contest.

With regards to the slit-throat gesture, Fermin says he did the act to point out to the referee that he had killed the Soaring Falcons’ momentum.

“That was during the time-out. I told them, you killed our momentum. If I screamed it, he wouldn’t have heard me. So I was gesturing,” Fermin told Rappler.

Fermin, who called the match against La Salle a “badly-officiated game,” hopes that the UAAP will take action against the officials in charge of the contest.

“It’s up to them. It’s there in the video that there were questionable decisions. I don’t know what they will do with the officials.”

“I accept my sanction,” Fermin said. “What sanctions are they going to give those officials. Kung hindi nila gagawan nang (if they don’t take any) action, I cannot do anything about it.”

Adamson is currently winless in 4 games this UAAP season.

As of posting time, a text message to Commissioner Saguisag has not been answered. – Rappler.com