Chris Ross claimed Coach Yeng Guiao called him the n-word, but the PBA could not confirm it. PBA Media Bureau |
PARANAQUE--Despite Coach Yeng Guiao getting the heftier of fines between him and Chris Ross in relation to their late-game altercation on Friday night, the NLEX mentor evaded heavier penalties, including a possible suspension, as the PBA failed to confirm Ross's claim that Guiao gave him a racist remark.
"Upon review of the incident, consulting possible witnesses to the event and discussing the matter with both parties, the alleged racist remark attributed to Coach Guiao could not be established," OIC Commissioner Chito Narvasa said in a statement on Monday. "As a result, the Office of the Commissioner finds no sufficient basis to discuss the matter of an alleged racist remark uttered by Coach Guiao."
Ross, as told by Coach Leo Austria, said that Guiao said the n-word to him.
[Related Story: Austria says Ross told him Guiao hurled racist slur at him during altercation]
Guiao, however, denied the claim.
[Related Story: Guiao denies Ross's n-word claim but explains dirty finger flashing]
Despite not finding a solid evidence that could have backed up Ross's case, Marcial insisted that racism will never be tolerated in the league.
"Let me reiterate that racism has no place in the PBA. It is totally unacceptable in our society and in sports in general. The PBA will not hesitate to act if the evidence so warrants," Marcial continued. "The PBA, its players and its officials are called upon to uphold the highest standard of respect that our youth can look upon as an example. Rest assured that any act that is racially derogatory and pejorative in nature will be dealt with sternly by the league."
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
Ross, as told by Coach Leo Austria, said that Guiao said the n-word to him.
[Related Story: Austria says Ross told him Guiao hurled racist slur at him during altercation]
Guiao, however, denied the claim.
[Related Story: Guiao denies Ross's n-word claim but explains dirty finger flashing]
Despite not finding a solid evidence that could have backed up Ross's case, Marcial insisted that racism will never be tolerated in the league.
"Let me reiterate that racism has no place in the PBA. It is totally unacceptable in our society and in sports in general. The PBA will not hesitate to act if the evidence so warrants," Marcial continued. "The PBA, its players and its officials are called upon to uphold the highest standard of respect that our youth can look upon as an example. Rest assured that any act that is racially derogatory and pejorative in nature will be dealt with sternly by the league."
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno